Ryan Zavodnick | March 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
Rideshare apps like Uber have changed the way we travel. They’re convenient, often cheaper than taxis and available with the tap of a button. But when it comes to safety, are Uber rides actually better than taxis? The answer isn’t so simple.
Uber vs. Taxi Accident Rates
One way to measure safety is by looking at accident rates. However, getting clear data on Uber and taxi crashes is difficult, and studies have had mixed results. Uber releases a safety report every few years, but it only covers fatal accidents,and only when the rider or driver is the deceased or accused.
Uber Accident Rates
According to Uber’s 2021-2022 Safety Report, there were 153 fatal Uber accidents in the two-year span. Uber’s motor vehicle fatality rate was 0.87 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) compared to the national average rate of 1.35.
Over half of these fatal crashes involved risky driving behavior such as drunk driving, wrong-way driving, or speeding. One-third were caused by third-party drunk drivers.
After a review of Uber’s 2017-2018 data, Uber reported that 18% of fatal Uber crashes were likely caused by the Uber driver. In 25% of the accidents, the Uber driver’s behavior contributed to the crash.
Taxi Accident Rates
Taxi crash data isn’t as readily available, but research suggests taxi drivers are safer than other motorists. A New York City study found livery cars and taxi cabs had a crash rate 33% lower than other drivers. There were 4.6 taxi crashes per million miles driven compared to 6.7 crashes involving private vehicles.
Uber doesn’t release statistics about the number of non-fatal crashes involving Uber drivers. However, taxi drivers generally have much lower crash rates for several reasons, including years of experience.
Driver Experience and Qualifications
Taxi drivers are required to complete a more thorough vetting process than Uber requires. Many taxi drivers also complete driver safety training and defensive driving courses. Overall, taxi drivers undergo more thorough vetting. They also tend to be more experienced drivers.
Taxi drivers are professional drivers with an average of 7.5 years of experience. Many have been driving full-time professionally for 15 or more years.
Uber drivers are more likely to be novice or part-time drivers. More than half have no experience driving professionally when they start accepting rides. Inexperienced and part-time drivers are 5.5 times more likely to commit traffic violations than full-time, experienced drivers.
Specific taxi and Uber driver requirements are as follows:
Taxi Driver Requirements
In Philadelphia, taxis are regulated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). There are strict requirements drivers must meet to get a taxi certification:
- At least 21 years old
- Pass an English Proficiency Examination
- 5-year Pennsylvania driver record check through PennDOT
- Criminal record check with no felonies in the past five years
- Pass a Certificate Examination
- Complete a medical exam
An application can be denied for points, suspension, revocation, DUI, or repetitive/excessive traffic violations within the five-year review.
Uber Driver Requirements
Uber requirements include:
- At least 23 years old
- One year of driving experience (three years if under 25 years old)
- Complete a background check
- Complete a driving record check
An Uber applicant can be denied for a greater range of criminal violations, but they are not as strict as Philadelphia when it comes to driving records.
Do Ubers or Taxis Have More Assault Incidents?
Safety isn’t just about accidents. Assault, harassment, and violent crimes can happen in both taxis and Ubers, but which one is riskier?
The Government Accountability Office released a 2024 report on data regarding assaults on rideshare and taxi drivers and passengers. The report looked at data on sexual assault and physical assault from Uber, Lyft, five taxi companies, and state and federal databases.
Unfortunately, the report found limited data on assault and no federal requirement to collect this data. However, most taxi companies interviewed said they had no assaults in 2019 or 2020. By comparison, Uber reported 36 fatal assaults and 2,717 incidents of misconduct to sexual assault in 2021 to 2022.
Taxi vs. Uber: Safety Tips for a Secure Ride
Taxi and Uber rides both offer a convenient way to get around the city and a safer alternative to driving while intoxicated. No matter which you choose, always take precautions. Check driver ratings, verify license plates, and share your trip details with someone you trust. Safety should always be a priority.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
