Is Uber Safer Than Taxis?

It is difficult to determine whether Uber is safer than taxis overall. There are countless considerations as to what makes you feel safe, and these may carry different weight compared to someone else. However, you should have the information you need to make an educated decision between an Uber and a Taxi. 

Uber and Taxi Driver Screening Policies

Safety is paramount for rideshare and taxi customers. Stories of the sexual assault of female passengers by rideshare and taxi drivers are unfortunately common. However, some policies are in place to prevent these situations in the future, and those start with background checks of the drivers.  If you want to drive for Uber, you must meet certain requirements, which include submitting a driving history and background check. Uber uses this information to identify potential safety risks to passengers. These background checks look for someone at least 25 years old with a year of driving experience and free of disqualifying restrictions on their license. While some convictions on a criminal record may not disqualify you, those relating to murder, sexual assault, and terrorism-related offenses will permanently prevent you from driving.  Seattle Yellow Cab is a taxi company that services the Seattle area. It also requires background checks on drivers. While its requirements do not require drivers to submit to a driving record check, it does require them to provide a valid driver’s license. 

Vehicle Safety Requirements for Uber and Taxi Drivers

Assuming your driver is safe, the next concern is vehicle safety. Today’s rideshare and taxi drivers often work as independent contractors. This provides a degree of autonomy for the drivers and reduces some business liability. However, this also means they may have less control over vehicle maintenance and standards.  Uber requires the vehicle used for services to be 16 years old or newer. Additionally, it must have four doors, be in ‘good’ condition without cosmetic damage, and cannot have commercial branding. While it might seem reasonable to think that a newer car in generally good condition is safe, Uber’s vehicle requirements do not address regular maintenance of critical components such as tires or brakes.  Many taxi companies in Seattle have similar shortcomings. The Seattle Yellow Cab company offers drivers an option to lease vehicles, and lease agreements may require maintenance. Many taxi companies also fail to address safety-related maintenance. 

Additional Safety Measures to Consider 

Measures that validate driver and vehicle safety are essential, but these companies offer many more options to ensure rider comfort and safety. Many taxi companies, though not all, have camera recordings in their vehicles, which can offer a form of accountability for drivers and passengers alike. They may also offer cashless payment options, preventing the need to carry large amounts of cash with you, though Uber and other rideshare companies are also cashless, requiring a card in the app before you book.  Uber offers multiple safety points, beginning with the point at which you book your ride. You can access your driver’s profile, which provides a photo of the driver, vehicle make and model, and license plate number. All of these allow you to verify your ride. Additionally, Uber offers some hefty in-app safety tools that will provide details of your ride and location to dispatch and facilitate your call to 911. They also offer a check-in system if your driver has deviated from the assigned route. 

Is Taking an Uber Safer Than a Taxi?

Whether you hail a cab or order an Uber, you may encounter harm. Each type of service has its own history and skeletons. However, Uber provides substantial safeguards to minimize risk and mitigate dangers, while many taxi services operate from more dated systems.  If you have been involved in an accident or suffered an injury from a negligent Uber or Taxi driver, consider contacting a Seattle, WA, personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Personal Injury Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7