11 Mar 19
News

Ridehailing increases road accidents

‘The arrival of ridesharing is associated with an increase of 2 to 3% in the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents,’ according to a study by Stigler Centre for the Study of the Economy and the State University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Moreover, the increase does not only involve vehicle occupants, but pedestrians as well. The increase in accidents appears to persist over time. 

One possible explanation could be the excessive time drivers spend on the road, waiting for a new ride. On average, ridehailing drivers spend 40 to 60% of their time waiting for passengers, according to the study. Ridehailing companies often go as far as to subsidise drivers to stay on the road to ensure supply is quickly available.

Authored by: Fien Van den steen