The Dangers of Distracted Driving and Rideshare Services in Houston

Car accidents, injuries, and fatalities from distracted driving are unfortunately common on the crowded roadways of Houston, Texas. The risks of distracted driving have increased with the popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Both drivers and passengers may engage in distracting behavior that endangers themselves and other people on the road.

Driving when distracted has many risks. Drivers who divert their focus from the road, even for a short period of time, increase the risk of an accident. Talking on the phone or sending texts, adjusting the radio or GPS, eating or drinking, and interacting with passengers are examples of common distractions that can have deadly consequences. Additionally, rideshare drivers may be kept from focusing on their driving by their passengers' distracting behaviors, such as talking aloud or listening to loud music.

The dangers of distracted driving and rideshare services has considerably increased in recent years. In 2018 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving contributed to 2,841 fatal collisions. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents involving distracted drivers result in nine fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries each day. Such remarkable numbers highlight the need for safer driving practices and, in the worst cases, the involvement of an attorney experienced in such accidents.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have made the distracted driving issue much more complicated. While these services have simplified transportation, they have also added new difficulties for drivers. The app, which provides instructions and updates on new riders, is a constant source of distraction. Phones, music, and conversations with the passengers can all get in the way of the driver paying full attention. If you have been in an accident while using a rideshare service, your first step should be to contact the Houston rideshare attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We offer a free case review/initial consultation so there is nothing to lose. Contact us toll-fee at 800-862-1260.

Both rideshare firms and individual drivers must take effort to reduce distractions on the road in order to battle the dangers of distracted driving. The necessity of avoiding distractions while driving can be taught to drivers by rideshare firms. They can also put in place rules forbidding drivers from using their phones or performing other distracting tasks while at work.

Additionally, individual drivers can take precautions to reduce distractions while driving. For example, they should put their phones on mute or use a hands-free device, abstain from eating or drinking while driving, and restrict potentially distracting discussions with passengers. Drivers should also be conscious of their own limitations and take breaks if they feel overwhelmed or tired.

Passengers can also help to lessen distractions while on the road by refraining from listening to loud music or having tense conversations that might annoy the driver. Furthermore, it may be less necessary for the driver to participate in distracting activities if passengers offer to assist with navigation or other responsibilities.

The prevalence of rideshare services has increased the severity and frequency of accidents caused by distracted driving. Whether you need a Lyft car crash lawyer or a Houston Uber car accident attorney, if you have been the victim of a distracted driver or in an accident while using a rideshare service, let our staff go to bat for you. View client endorsements, testimonials, and Carabin Shaw’s client reviews, then contact us toll-fee at 800-862-1260. We are available 24/7 and our bilingual staff is available to take your call in both English and Spanish.

We look forward to fighting for you.