Rideshare companies have been facing several issues lately. There have been reported incidences of sexual assault from drivers, discrimination, the hiring and training process, and keeping records of these events. But there’s also another major issue: driver imposters.

People are posing as drivers for major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft and scamming people by having them swipe their credit cards before they get to their destination. The people being scammed are paying much more than what they would with the regulated companies. It’s also terrifying to think they were in a car with a stranger who wasn’t verified by these companies at all.

On-demand transportation provides a simple convenience for people in need of a ride. Whether you forgot your umbrella and need a ride home from work in the rain or are going out with friends and plan on drinking, services like Lyft strive to get you from point A to point B as efficiently and safely as possible. But with national news of assaults, accidents, and even deaths while using rideshare companies, there must be more Lyft can do to protect riders.

Lyft Accidents and Incidents

In 2017, over 40 incidents were reported by riders using Lyft. These numbers are of incidents related specifically to Lyft. Uber and other ridesharing services are not included.

There were two deaths, seven alleged assaults, 13 alleged sexual assaults, two kidnappings, one report of a felon driving for Lyft, four reports of imposter drivers, and an unknown number of miscellaneous reports.

Ridesharing services like Uber can provide quick and reliable transportation when you need it the most. Uber is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience for everyone; however, accidents do and have happened. As a passenger, you may not think you can do a whole lot to prevent or avoid an accident in an Uber; but if you take into consideration the tips below, you’ll be aiding in the prevention of any possible wrecks.

Check Out the Driver Beforehand. Often times, you can find multiple drivers available to take you from one location to the next. It’s a good idea to check out past reviews and experiences before choosing a driver. Select the one you’re most comfortable with.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are making a big impact on major cities and suburbs. They provide an easy and safe way for people to get to their locations. With such a large demand, the rideshare companies need to have drivers to support their users. The companies call them independent contractors, but the drivers are pushing for something more that will improve their status and benefits.

What’s Changing for Rideshare Company Workers?

There was a recent court ruling that’s going to affect companies that want to keep their workers as independent contractors.

The popular rideshare company Uber is changing its terms of service when it comes to dealing with issues of sexual assault. In the past, there was a clause that stated passengers who claim their drivers sexually assaulted them need to resolve the matter through arbitration. This method keeps the matter quiet and takes away the chance to have a trial by jury.

However, after CNN released an investigation that revealed Uber has 103 drivers who had been accused of sexually assaulting passengers, the cases can be brought to arbitration, meditation, or open court.

Uber’s aim is to give the survivors their voice and control back by bringing those who assaulted them to justice. They’re aiming to be more transparent about the issue and are trying to make their company safer for everyone.