It wasn’t long ago that rideshare services were unheard of, and people in urban areas had to rely on their own cars, taxis, or public transportation in order to get around. Rideshare giants like Uber and Lyft have changed the way transportation is done in many areas of the world. While the convenience of these services makes life easier for many, safety issues for both drivers and passengers have become a monumental concern.
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In 2017 and 2018, Uber reported more than 6,000 cases of sexual assaults from drivers and passengers in the United States alone. Sadly, reports of sexual assault while using ridesharing services continue to pour into law enforcement agencies. Many feel that ridesharing companies are not doing enough to keep their drivers and passengers safe, despite promises to revamp safety policies.
It’s tough to estimate exactly how many people are affected by sexual harassment and assault while using ridesharing services. In 2021, Uber was sued by the California Public Utilities Commission for refusing to share data over how many sexual assaults were reported by drivers and passengers while using their services. It’s also important to consider how few sexual assault victims report the crime to the police–according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, at least two out of every three sexual assault incidents go unreported.
While companies like Lyft and Uber are stating that they’re taking steps to improve safety for their drivers and customers, many feel the companies are not doing enough to create a safe environment.
Data collected from 17 lawsuits against Lyft showed that the company has done little to support those who have been victimized while using their ridesharing services. According to a report from NPR, “All of the drivers and passengers said Lyft did practically nothing to help them after they reported their assaults, other than telling them they were sorry for their experience and that they would suspend the account of the driver or passenger who assaulted them. Two drivers said Lyft offered them a few hundred dollars after they reported their assaults, but did not follow up with them afterward.”
A Dangerous Work Environment for Drivers
Many Uber and Lyft drivers are speaking out about their dangerous work environment, and they’re asking for the companies to do more to keep them safe. Sadly, the efforts made by rideshare companies seem to be doing little to help drivers work safely. In October of 2022, a female Lyft driver was the victim of attempted sexual assault by a passenger in San Jose. On March 23, 2023, a female Uber driver was sexually assaulted by a passenger at gunpoint in Norfolk.
Uber and Lyft both say that they keep detailed records of incidents that interfere with driver safety, but neither company openly shares those numbers with the public. While safety training could help Uber and Lyft drivers stay safe, the companies refuse to provide official education on how to stay safe on the road. Doing so would require the companies to recognize their drivers as employees, rather than independent contractors. Working with drivers as independent contractors allows companies to keep costs low, and can allow the companies to change their staffing depending on market needs.
When rideshare companies refuse to share data about driver safety, it can be hard for those who are considering driving for Uber or Lyft to have the full picture before they decide to move forward as a driver. A lack of openness about assault statistics can make it feel harder for drivers who have experienced assault or harassment to come forward.
If You’ve Been a Victim of Uber or Lyft-Related Assault, You’re Not Alone.
No one should ever have to experience sexual harassment or assault. Companies that place employees and customers within close proximity to one another must take special care to ensure that all parties are safe. Sadly, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have repeatedly failed to take steps to protect passengers and drivers. Many people who have experienced sexual assault or harrassment while using a rideshare service aren’t sure where to turn to get the help that they need to move forward.
If you’re a rideshare driver or passenger who has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to try to figure out your next step by yourself. Our case experts are working to help people who have been through this experience get the support that they need. We’ll work with you to help you understand whether you have a case against Uber or Lyft, and we’ll guide you through the steps that you’ll need to take to get the compensation you may be entitled to. If you’ve experienced a rideshare assault, click here to submit some basic information to help us learn how we can best support you.
