Gig Economy Drivers Working 12+ Hour Shifts: Does Fatigue Increase Uber & Lyft Crash Risk?

Rideshare companies are a major part of the gig economy, with ambitious drivers sometimes working long shifts. But fatigue increases the risk of an accident, and Uber and Lyft drivers are not immune to this unfortunate reality. Although rideshare apps impose driving-time limits, drivers may still face fatigue because of long days, late-night hours, long waiting times, and switching between platforms.

Victims of rideshare accidents need to understand the reasons these accidents occur, including fatigue, so they can make the strongest possible claim for damages. Having a skilled law firm by your side can also help. If you were involved in an accident in Oklahoma City, connect with Cunningham & Mears.

What is driving fatigue?

Also known as fatigued driving or drowsy driving, this refers to a situation in which a driver’s lack of sufficient sleep causes an accident. Here are some ways that fatigued driving can increase the likelihood of being in a crash:

• Slower reaction time: A driver who has not had enough sleep will have a delayed reaction time. This means they will not react in enough time to avoid debris and obstructions in the road, stop for stop signs and traffic signals, and adjust to changes in traffic density.
• Poor judgment: Drivers have to constantly make judgments, like when it’s safe to turn at an intersection if there is an oncoming vehicle. A tired driver can make serious judgment errors and get into a wreck.
• Similarities to impaired driving: Fatigued driving has often been compared to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Exhausted drivers can drift in and out of lanes, be easily distracted, and even have gaps in their awareness. The effects on safety are similar to those of drunk driving.

Why is fatigue a problem for gig economy drivers?

Gig economy drivers are often motivated to put everything they can into their side hustle. Unfortunately, this often means that adequate sleep takes a backseat. These are a few reasons why rideshare culture in particular leads to driver fatigue:

• Competition for rides: Uber and Lyft drivers have to compete with each other for rides, which means being available for long shifts at a time.
• Irregular working hours: Working for a rideshare company is not like working a traditional 9-to-5 job. You may have to accept rides late at night and at unusual times of day if you want to get ahead.
• Financial pressures: Whether it’s because driving is their main source of income or because they are trying to build up savings, money pressures often abound for gig economy drivers. This means they will more likely neglect sleep.

Over time, rideshare drivers may begin to show signs that fatigue is getting the best of them. Ideally, they will recognize these as warnings and begin to get more rest. But sadly, this does not always happen. Some of the signs that fatigued driving could be a problem include:

• Consistently long stretches of driving: A 12-hour shift once in a while is not too bad. When it’s night after night, however, physical and mental exhaustion can become major issues.
• Irregular sleep: Fatigued driving can negatively affect your sleep, even during periods of time when you are not working. Insomnia, low-quality sleep, and waking up often in the night can be signs that a driver is too tired.
• Reliance on energy drinks and supplements: Drowsy drivers often turn to energy drinks, caffeine pills, and other supplements to help force their way through exhaustion. But these do not always have the intended effect and may not mitigate dangers.
• Stress: Stress and related problems like irritability and mood changes are good indications that the driver is tired. These can show up during working hours or in other areas of life.

If you or someone you love works as a gig economy driver and is showing signs like these, it’s time to explain the risks of fatigued driving. Not having enough rest can put the driver, their passengers, and others in jeopardy.

What to do if your driver appears tired

In the event you call an Uber or Lyft, these are some ways you can stay safe from the harms of fatigued driving:

• Pay attention to warning signs: Does the driver’s behavior mimic drunk driving? When the driver approached, were they showing signs of fatigued driving? What is the driver’s behavior? Always be aware of warning signs, no matter what time of day or night it is.
• Say something: Don’t be afraid to communicate your concerns to the rideshare driver or, if necessary, the rideshare company. Ask questions and pay attention to the answers; sometimes the clues are in how the driver speaks and reacts, not what they say.
• Find another transportation option: You should never accept a ride if you do not feel comfortable with the driver. Put your safety first. Think about canceling the ride and finding another way to get to where you are going.

What to do after being in a rideshare accident

If you are involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger, third-party motorist, or otherwise, the steps you take next could affect your well-being and legal rights. Our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers suggest that you do the following:

• Call 911 and report the accident, requesting police and medic assistance
• See a doctor immediately, even if you think you were unharmed or suffered only minor injuries
• Ask the responding law enforcement officer how to obtain a copy of the police report
• Take pictures and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses
• Follow your doctor’s orders and keep all of your appointments
• Speak with an attorney before talking to any insurance companies

How we help rideshare accident victims

Gig economy workers should be admired for their hard work, but they should not put others needlessly at risk. Protecting your legal rights begins with retaining a knowledgeable personal injury firm. When you hire Cunningham & Mears, we get to work by:

• Investigating the causes of your accident, including fatigued driving
• Identifying all at-fault parties, including those other than the rideshare driver
• Acquiring evidence of negligence
• Handling all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Helping you avoid common rideshare accident mistakes
• Determining a fair value of your medical bills, lost income, and other damages
• Filing a claim and negotiating with the insurers for a fair settlement of your losses, if possible
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary, including to preserve your legal rights if a statute of limitations deadline is approaching
• Retaining expert witnesses who can explain complex subjects relevant to your claim
• Trying your case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Remember, you have options for recovering compensation after being in a rideshare accident. Cunningham & Mears is here to help you explore them. Give us a call or contact us online to get started.