Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | April 2, 2025 | Car Accidents
Since rideshare apps came on the scene more than a decade ago, they’ve completely revolutionized how the world gets around. They’ve become so ubiquitous that the name “Uber” has become a verb — how many times have you let a friend know you’re going to Uber home (perhaps even if you’re taking a Lyft)?
Beyond guaranteeing that the Uber app gets a lot of free word of mouth, that level of familiarity has another effect: the assumption of safety. Since Uber is well-woven into the fabric of Americans’ lives, most don’t think about whether they’re putting themselves at risk by ordering a car; they just hit “Select Ride” and go.
Taxis, the predecessors of rideshare apps, have been around for much longer. However, they still contend with a somewhat seedy reputation that stretches back to the film Taxi Driver and beyond. Which is really the best choice: tried-and-true friendly yellow cabs or the on-demand car service you can get anytime, anywhere?
The answer is nuanced. While both forms of transit are subject to regulations, at the end of the day, riders are getting into a stranger’s car and trusting that stranger with their safety. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a point-by-point comparison of the upsides and downsides of each type of ride, along with some general tips on how to keep yourself safe no matter whose car you’re in.
The Pros of Uber
Uber’s convenience, affordability, and accessibility make it a go-to for riders all over the world. But you might question how the company can keep so many riders (and drivers, for that matter) safe, given all the variables at play.
To that end, the app has implemented some fairly robust safety measures:
- Driver Screening: Before a driver can pick up customers, Uber runs a background check that includes their criminal history and driving record
- GPS Tracking: When you’re in the vehicle, your ride is tracked in real-time, providing a record of your trip and allowing you to share your location with friends and family
- Ratings and Reviews: Riders can rate their drivers and include feedback, keeping drivers accountable and giving users a window into who they’re riding with
- In-App Tools: The app provides an emergency button that connects riders directly to 911, as well as the ability to report safety concerns directly to Uber
- Anonymous Communication: The app masks phone numbers and other contact information so that you can communicate with your driver without risking your privacy
With these safety measures in place, Uber strives to provide a secure and reliable experience for riders and drivers alike.
The Cons of Uber
While Uber offers convenience and safety features, there are still risks and drawbacks to consider:
- Lack of Customer Support: Many riders and drivers struggle to reach a live representative when reporting issues or submitting complaints.
- Gaps in Background Checks: Some drivers with criminal records have slipped through the screening process due to negligence or unauthorized account sharing.
- Unknown Drivers: The name and photo in the app may not always match the person who arrives, raising safety concerns.
- Driver Fatigue: Many Uber drivers work long, irregular hours, increasing the risk of accidents due to exhaustion.
- False Sense of Security: While Uber promotes safety, enforcement of policies is not always consistent.
Millions of people use Uber daily without issue, but staying informed of these risks can help ensure a safer rideshare experience and avoid injury.
The Pros of Taxis
While using Uber carries some risks, are taxis actually better? Like rideshare apps, taxi services don’t have perfect safety records. However, they do have a well-established safety framework, complete with strict regulations and licensing requirements. In terms of overall safety, they might have Uber beat.
Here are some of the features you’ll find in pretty much any cab:
- Licensing: Taxi drivers are required to get special licenses and undergo extensive training, including learning local roads, before they ever get a customer in their cab
- Driver Identification: Cabs typically display driver identification where you can see it
- Vehicle Inspections: Taxis are regularly inspected to ensure they’re safe; as company-owned vehicles, they may experience less wear and tear than personal cars
- Metered Fares: Cab fares are regulated and displayed on a meter to prevent price gouging and provide transparency
- Designated Stands: Taxis often operate from designated taxi stands, making them easy to find
- Security Cameras: Most cabs are equipped with cameras to deter crime and provide evidence in case of emergencies
Additionally, most taxis are outfitted with credit card readers or other cashless payment methods to keep up with competitors like Uber.
The Cons of Taxis
One major downside, though, is that taxis are not as widely available as rideshare apps are. If you aren’t in a city, you might wait a long time and pay a lot of money to have a taxi pick you up — if you can find one at all. Following are some additional cons of using taxis:
- Higher Costs: Taxis often have higher base fares and additional charges for things like waiting time, tolls, and late-night rides, making them more expensive than rideshare options.
- Inconsistent Pricing: Unlike rideshare apps, taxis don’t always provide upfront pricing, so you may not know how much your ride will cost until the trip ends.
- Limited Payment Options: Some taxis still only accept cash, while rideshare apps offer seamless digital payments.
- Longer Wait Times: In areas with fewer taxis, it can take much longer to hail one compared to quickly booking a ride through an app.
- Lack of Driver Information: Taxis don’t provide detailed driver profiles, trip tracking, or ratings like rideshare apps, which can make riders feel less secure.
- No Customization: With rideshare apps, you can choose vehicle types, preferences, or even split fares, while taxis generally offer fewer options.
- Less Transparency: Unlike rideshare services, taxi companies may not have clear cancellation policies or detailed records of past trips for easy reference.
While taxis have been a reliable mode of transportation for decades, they come with several drawbacks that may make them less convenient than modern rideshare services.
The Safest Way To Get Around
Both cabs and rideshares have great things to offer customers, and both have their limitations. Whichever service you use, it’s important not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Ultimately, you never know what’s going to happen when you get into someone else’s car.
Most drivers are hardworking and professional, but bad things happen to good people all the time. Before you settle in for your journey, make sure to verify your driver’s identity, share your trip details with someone you trust, stay aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask the driver to stop or call 911.
Contact a Sandusky Car Accident Lawyer at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, contact the Sandusky car accident law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
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Sandusky, OH 44870
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Mansfield, OH 44902
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Port Clinton, OH 43452
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Vermilion, OH 44089
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Norwalk, OH 44857