When you need to get around a busy locale like Austin, Texas, but do not want to (or cannot) drive yourself, you have two options available: You can either call a taxi or book a rideshare from a company like Uber or Lyft.
When deciding between the two, safety may come to mind. If you haven’t used rideshare services all too often, you might wonder, “Is Uber safe?” You may also question whether you are just as likely to be hurt in a taxi crash as you are in a rideshare vehicle. The following guide will explain everything you need to know to make the best decision.
Taxis vs. Uber: Key Differences To Consider
Just because both taxis and rideshares involve someone else driving does not mean they are indistinguishable from each other. Taxi companies employ professional drivers, whom the company itself is responsible for supervising. Each company can set whatever (lawful) qualifications they wish for individuals who apply to drive for them.
In addition, with a taxi company, the following details are generally true:
- In the event of a car crash, an on-duty driver is insured through their taxi company
- The driver’s vehicle is typically provided and maintained by the taxi company
- The company often periodically reviews the driver’s criminal and driving records
- If there is an issue with your ride, the company has a local office you can call or visit
Conversely, these details generally apply to a rideshare driver:
- They are insured, but their coverage and policy limits depend on what they are doing at the time of a wreck
- They often provide their own vehicle and are responsible for the maintenance of that vehicle
- Uber or Lyft will review the driver’s criminal and driving record at the time they first sign up
- Most rideshare companies offer an in-app “panic” button in the event of an issue, but there are no local company offices you can call or visit
It’s also important to recognize that rideshare drivers are not considered employees of either Uber or Lyft. Instead, they are independent contractors for most purposes, a designation that means the rideshare companies exercise less control and supervision over their drivers than a traditional taxi company would over its employees.
Relevant Safety Statistics
In 2023, a total of 24,910 individuals died in traffic crashes while in private passenger vehicles. That total includes those killed while riding in taxis and rideshare vehicles. While that is a large number, the actual number of individuals killed while a taxi or rideshare passenger is much lower and represents a small percentage of that total.
Uber’s most recent safety report indicates that 153 people died in wrecks involving an Uber vehicle between 2021 and 2022. That is up from 107 fatalities in 2017 and 2018 when Uber released its first safety report, and it is an increase that is likely due to the increasing popularity of ridesharing as a transportation alternative.
With that in mind, you might wonder, “Is Uber or Lyft safer?” In 2022, 50 people died in crashes involving a Lyft vehicle. However, as with Uber, the number of Lyft-related fatalities has steadily increased over the past few years.
Texas does not maintain any statistics on taxi cab company crashes or passenger deaths. The best available data to compare Lyft and Uber’s statistics against comes from New York City, which is all but synonymous with taxis. Between July and December 2024, the city’s medallion taxis were involved in just three fatal accidents.
Are Rideshares As Safe As Taxis?
Ridesharing services and taxi companies alike generally offer passengers a safe means of moving in and around Austin. When deciding which method of transportation is safer, you should keep in mind the differences that set the two apart. Notably, taxi companies exercise greater control and supervision over their drivers and their vehicles than Uber or Lyft.
Nevertheless, each option provides benefits and potential drawbacks, and you should consider these when deciding who to ride with next time you need to travel anywhere in Austin.
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We serve in Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
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650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
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