Latest Uber Safety Report: Key Insights Into Rider Safety

Uber has finally released its long-awaited safety report. Despite being in business since 2009, this latest report only marks the rideshare company’s third report. Unfortunately, similar to past reports, the results are undeniably disturbing.

The data paints a difficult picture, revealing a range of unsettling incidents. From fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents to physical assaults and deeply concerning cases of sexual misconduct, the report underscores the harsh realities faced by both riders and drivers. 

While the Uber safety report shows some positive trends, such as a decrease in certain incidents, the overall numbers still remind us of the dangers that lurk whenever we step into a rideshare.

For anyone who has experienced harm during an Uber ride, whether due to an accident or assault, it’s vital to know that you're not alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by an Uber-related incident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Levin Simes to find out if you qualify for legal action against the rideshare company.

Our women-led law firm stands at the forefront of rideshare sexual assault litigation, securing settlements for over 500 survivors and counting. Our team isn’t afraid to stand by you and confront corporate giants like Uber. Contact our team of experienced lawyers online or by calling (415) 426-3000 today to learn more about how we can support you in standing up to Uber.

Sexual Assault Remains a Major Threat in Most Recent Uber Safety Report

Sexual assault remains a significant concern, with hundreds of incidents reported across the platform. These are not just statistics, but instead, they represent the real-life trauma of individuals, affecting both riders and drivers alike.

Despite the decline in incident reports, it is important to remember that sexual assault is severely underreported. According to RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police. That means more than 2 out of 3 go unreported. The fact remains that every assault is one too many, and the fear of sexual violence still looms large for many using Uber, as shown below: 

• Uber documented 2,717 reported incidents in the new safety report.
• 1 in 700,000 trips resulted in a reported sexual assault in this new report, down from 1 in 400,000 trips from the company’s first report.
• 31% of sexual assault incidents involved riders as the victims.
• 68% of incidents involved drivers as the victims.
• Non-consensual sexual penetration accounted for 355 reports (approximately 1 in 5 million trips).
• Non-consensual touching of a sexual body part was reported in 1,401 cases (about 1 in 1 million trips).
• The vast majority of non-consensual sexual penetration reports were filed by women (89%), with men representing just 8% of the survivors.

The report makes clear that there is still much work to be done to fully protect riders and drivers from these traumatic experiences in Uber and Lyft.

Uber Safety Report Uncovers Rise in Physical Assaults

Uber promises to thoroughly vet its drivers to avoid criminal drivers and ensure a safe, reliable ride for every passenger. However, according to the latest safety report, this trust is being shaken. The number of fatal physical assaults on the platform has risen sharply in recent years, leaving both drivers and riders at risk.

Here’s a closer look at what the latest Uber safety report reveals about physical assaults on the platform: 

• The number of fatalities due to physical assaults on the Uber platform nearly doubled from the last report to the latest report, with 36 reported in the latest safety report.
• This marked a 96% increase in physical assault fatalities from the previous period.
• The fatal assault rate increased from 1 in 103 million trips in the second safety report to 1 in 53 million trips in the newest safety report.
• 61% of the fatalities involved Uber drivers, with 39% involving Uber riders.
• Carjackings that escalated into violent confrontations accounted for a great deal of physical assaults on the Uber platform.

Despite Uber’s claims to improve safety through features like verified rider badges, audio recording, and the “Record My Ride” option, the data reflects a troubling reality: drivers and passengers are still at serious risk of violent encounters.

It's important to remember that behind these numbers are real people. As much as we can discuss statistics, the impact on their lives is far more profound. The truth is that serious work still lies ahead to improve Uber's safety and protect passengers and drivers. 

By speaking out, you not only help hold Uber accountable but also contribute to a growing movement demanding real, tangible change. If enough people raise their voices, we can spark the change that is desperately needed to make the ridesharing industry safer for everyone. Call Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 or fill out our private and quick online form to schedule a free consultation today.

Uber Safety Statistics on Motor Vehicle Accidents

When you get into a rideshare vehicle like Uber, you expect a safe and smooth experience. However, the latest safety report reveals that motor vehicle fatalities on the platform have risen significantly in recent years. While Uber’s fatality rate is still lower than the national average, the numbers show a troubling increase in deadly accidents.

These numbers also reflect a broader national trend. In 2021, the U.S. saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2005, and although fatalities decreased slightly in 2022, the numbers remain far above pre-pandemic levels. Uber notes that the primary cause of this spike is due to risky behaviors like alcohol-impaired driving, speeding, and wrong-way driving.

Although Uber saw a decrease in the rate of overall crashes reported on the platform, fatalities increased according to the new report. Below is a breakdown of what the report shows about Uber accidents: 

• 97% of Uber-related fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• 56% of fatalities on the Uber platform involved risky driving behaviors like speeding, alcohol impairment, or wrong-way driving.
• One-third of Uber-related fatalities were linked to alcohol-impaired third-party drivers.
• Uber’s motor vehicle fatality rate shows a 40% increase from the previous period.
• 153 individual motor vehicle fatalities occurred across 127 fatal Uber-related crashes. For comparison, Lyft reported 97 fatal crashes, resulting in 107 deaths in their first safety report.

Levin Simes Leads the Way in Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Litigations Nationwide

Speaking up about these incidents can be incredibly difficult, whether it’s due to fear, shame, or the belief that nothing will change. Calling the Uber safety incident reporting line or sharing your experience may feel like an uphill battle, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. 

Every report and every voice adds pressure on Uber and Lyft to take stronger action, improve safety measures, and ensure that the system they’ve built is truly protecting those who rely on it.

Levin Simes is majority women-owned and women-managed, with decades of experience standing with survivors who lived through rideshare assaults. If you choose to take legal action, we will stand with you. Contact Levin Simes online or by calling (415) 426-3000 today.