Traffic is something many of us have to deal with on a daily basis. Part of the advertised benefits of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft was that they would reduce this problem and make commuting and traveling easier — but what if the exact opposite was the case?
What if these services, advertised as champions of the average person, are actually making the problem worse? That’s precisely what recent studies have revealed. Let’s look at the ways Uber and Lyft are linked to increased San Francisco traffic congestion, and find out how an Uber accident attorney can help if you’re in a traffic-related accident.
Uber, Lyft, and Traffic
The link between Uber, Lyft, and traffic has recently been established by a 2018 study and report from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. The report found that traffic and congestion across the city worsened between the years of 2010 and 2016, with average traffic speed reduced by about 20 mph. The issue is especially noticeable during evening-commute periods when ride-share services make up 60 percent of the increased traffic.
Airport Traffic
While ride-sharing services vehemently deny the veracity of the report, even airports have noticed the effect of Lyft and Uber on traffic congestion in San Francisco. The San Francisco International Airport has begun offering a discount to those ride-share customers who are willing to walk to an adjacent parking garage to meet their drivers instead of being picked up at the airport itself. With over 1,200 pickups and drop-offs every hour, many of which are ride-share serviced, the problem has become serious.
In fact, the airport has instituted an additional fee on every ride-share used because it needs to pay for additional traffic control officers to manage the extra load. BART has also estimated a $4 million loss from the institution of ride-share services.
The Dangers of Increased Traffic
A natural danger of increased traffic congestion is the associated risk of accidents that occur with more cars on the road. Traffic creates frustration, road rage and careless drivers, and that includes those drivers who are behind the wheel of ride-share vehicles. Unfortunately, many people who take these ride-shares find themselves left out in the cold when they’re in an accident.
There are risks involved with ride-shares beyond traffic congestion. If a driver doesn’t have the correct insurance policy, for example, you may have difficulty getting your injuries paid for in the event of an accident. That’s why it’s so important to have the right help.
Uber Accident Attorney
If you are a passenger in a ride-share and you get hurt in an accident, you deserve to have your injuries, emotional trauma and pain and suffering paid for. Even if your driver wasn’t at fault, you are the victim and you are entitled to receive compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
In order to collect the damages you are owed, you will need help from an experienced Uber accident attorney. If you’re in the San Francisco area, Gruber Law has the experience to help. Contact us for a free consultation about your case today.
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