Exploring the Risks of Work-Related Crashes Among U.S. Rideshare Drivers

A comprehensive study sheds light on the alarming rate of work-related motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) among rideshare drivers in the United States, revealing a third of surveyed drivers have been involved in such incidents. Conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the analysis focuses on personal, social, and occupational risk factors that contribute to these accidents. Through an online survey of 277 rideshare and taxi drivers, the study identifies older age, frequent rides per day, driving on unfamiliar roads, and fatigue as significant predictors of MVCs.

Rideshare drivers, deemed independent contractors, lack the same health and safety oversight as traditional employees, posing unique occupational hazards. The findings underscore the precarious nature of rideshare work and the pressing need for further research into occupational health risks and safety interventions. The study’s methodology, utilizing an online questionnaire distributed via a popular rideshare blog, points to a predominantly male, well-educated, and older driver demographic.

Crucially, the research highlights the association between certain driving behaviors—like driving while tired or on unfamiliar roads—and an increased likelihood of work-related crashes. This nuanced understanding of rideshare driver risks prompts a call for policy development focused on enhancing the occupational health and safety of this growing workforce. Amidst the evolving gig economy, the study positions precarious workers at the center of an urgent conversation on labor rights, safety standards, and public health.