When you need to grab a ride to the airport, into the city, or to another destination, you may be debating whether it is safer to hail a cab or use a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft. Climbing into any car is not without risk. And there is no guarantee of safety with either one of these methods. But understanding how these two services differ will enable you to make the most informed decision when the time comes.
Regulations for rideshare drivers
New Jersey adopted legislation in 2017 that regulates ride sharing businesses. Rideshare drivers and employers must meet insurance requirements and drivers must submit to both driving and criminal background checks. Furthermore, in the Garden State, rideshare drivers must be at least 21 years of age, provide evidence of a drivers’ license, have a car registration, and show proof of vehicle insurance. Rideshare companies are required to maintain driving history records for all of their drivers for five years.
Rideshare drivers with convictions are banned
New Jersey requires that rideshare drivers who have been convicted of certain crimes be banned from employment by the rideshare company. These offenses include sexual assault, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), homicide, reckless driving, or possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance.
Background checks for taxi drivers
Taxi companies in the United States are required to be fingerprinted before securing employment with a taxi company. The fingerprints are then sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a level-two background check, which looks into state and federal criminal histories. Anyone with a felony conviction is not permitted to be hired as a taxi driver and certain motor-vehicle related offenses may also prevent a potential driver from employment.
Safety of taxis and rideshare cars
Taxicab companies must meet the vehicle safety requirements of the state and are required to perform vehicle maintenance and repair. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft use the driver’s vehicles to transport their passengers, which generally must meet certain standards. Maintenance and repair of rideshare vehicles are the responsibility of the rideshare driver.
Online driver ratings and profiles
When using Uber or Lyft, the customer has the ability to select the driver based on their rating. When a rideshare driver receives repeated low ratings, the rideshare company is informed and can take appropriate action if necessary. When using a taxicab, the ability to review driver ratings is not available but passengers may file complaints against the taxi cab driver when warranted.
Passengers suffering injury in an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or cab are protected
When you have suffered injury in an Uber, Lyft, or taxi, you are protected by personal injury law. Personal injury law covers all accidents that are due to another person’s negligent, reckless, or irresponsible behavior. The experienced New Jersey accident attorneys at Lomurro Law are knowledgeable in handling all types of accidents, with a reputation for excellence and more than 130 years of combined experience on your side. Contact a member of our team today at 732-482-9285 or contact us online to arrange for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.