Rideshare giants Uber and Lyft often highlight their role in enhancing street safety, arguing that their services contribute to a reduction in drunk driving incidents and subsequent accidents. However, research results and rideshare accident statistics present a mixed picture.
A 2018 joint study by the University of Chicago and Rice University suggested that Uber may have led to an increase in traffic deaths since its inception. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Safety Research that focused on work-related crashes in rideshare drivers noted that “specific features and behaviors of rideshare drivers, including older age, increasing trips per day, driving often on unfamiliar roads or whilst tired, and using the phone while driving was associated with an increased odds of being involved in motor vehicle crashes.”
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, contact the rideshare attorneys at The Law Offices of David Azizi for a complimentary consultation.
Uber Accident Statistics
How common are accidents when using Uber as your rideshare service? According to Uber’s 2021-2022 Safety Report (which is the most recent data available), the company reported a total of 153 motor vehicle fatalities. Crucially, the data also shows:
- 1 out of 3 fatalities was caused by a drunk driver (all attributed to third-party drivers)
- 39% of fatalities were the result of speeding (93% of accidents were attributed to third-party drivers)
- 13% of fatalities involved wrong-way drivers (100% of these fatal accidents were attributed to third-party drivers)
Lyft Accident Statistics
According to Lyft’s most recent Safety Transparency Report, 50 motor vehicle fatalities were reported in 2022. In 2023, Lyft provided all drivers with a program called Smooth Cruiser, allowing them to track their driving behaviors.
How Popular Are Uber and Lyft?
Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, diminishing the once-dominant taxi market to a mere 2% share. Key statistics include:
- Uber represents 76% of the U.S. rideshare market.
- Lyft, steadily rising, accounts for about 24% of all rides.
- Uber has 180 million active users.
- Lyft averaged 23.7 million active users in 2024.
- Uber rideshare statistics show that men account for 52% of riders, while women account for 48%.
- Individuals aged 16-34 form the largest user group for Uber (65%), while those aged 18-34 are the primary users of Lyft.
Driver Statistics for Uber and Lyft
- In the second quarter of 2025, 8.8 million drivers offered their rideshare services via Uber. By comparison, Lyft has more than two million drivers.
- According to 2019 rideshare driver statistics, 32.8% of rideshare drivers are between the ages of 61 – 70, while 29.2% are between the ages of 51 – 60.
- Business.com surveyed 1,020 individuals who served as drivers in the gig rideshare sector. Results revealed that 50% of Uber drivers were satisfied with their workload, while only 43% of Uber drivers expressed satisfaction. When asked about pay satisfaction, 61% of Uber and Lyft drivers reported that they were satisfied.
- In April 2019, Lyft announced enhanced background checks, following Uber’s similar initiative in 2018. Both companies now conduct continuous criminal background checks and yearly screenings.
These statistics highlight important trends in ridesharing that passengers need to assess carefully. The majority of drivers are either close to or at the age of retirement. As individuals age, they may face medical issues that impact their motor reflexes, vision, or reaction time, increasing susceptibility to an accident.
According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Among passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2023, the proportion in multiple-vehicle crashes at intersections increases steadily with age starting at 70-74.“
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Contact David Azizi
Despite regulations, accidents involving rideshare companies persist. Whether you were a pedestrian, a rideshare passenger, or another party, if you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, call The Law Offices of David Azizi today for a complimentary consultation. Rideshare laws are evolving, and with our expertise in handling complex cases, we can help you secure the fair compensation you deserve.
