Many ride-hailing passengers avoid buckling up in the back seat

By Steven Miller
Senior Partner

When you need a ride around Long Island, you may choose a ride-hailing app like Uber or Lyft. These services can give you a relatively affordable ride compared to cabs. And you can have the driver come directly to your door to pick you up. However, like any vehicle, Uber and Lyft cars can have accidents.

When you get into the back seat of a ride-hailing cab, you have the choice to wear a seat belt. But if you are like many passengers, you may choose not to buckle up. Riding without a seat belt can put you at serious risk of injury if your driver crashes.

Passengers without a seat belt put themselves and others in danger

When back-seat riders don’t buckle up, they become much more prone to severe injuries. One study says that the chance for injury in an accident is eight times that of buckled passengers. And they can also cause harm to other people if they fly around the car.

Many riders of ride-hailing services don’t buckle up

Despite the dangers, passengers in the back seat of cabs often don’t protect themselves with a seat belt. Studies in different cities have shown anywhere from 26% to 52% of rear-seat riders put themselves at risk in ride-hailing cabs. Safety advocates say that when people get into someone else’s back seat, many don’t feel obliged by the law or by safety standards to wear a seat belt.

Riding in a cab means relying on the driver

When you get into another person’s car, you must put your faith in their ability to drive safely. Since you don’t have control over the vehicle, you rely on the driver to get you to your destination without incident.

However, in the busy streets of Long Island, anything can happen. Even if you have a short trip, you may find yourself involved in an accident. Wearing a seat belt may help you avoid serious injuries.

About the Author
Steven Miller, Esq. is the founding member and Senior Partner in Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. Mr. Miller’s extensive career as a trial attorney spans five decades. He tries cases for the catastrophically injured victims of construction site accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Miller is a detail oriented, tenacious attorney committed to achieving the maximum results for his clients; he has obtained numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements.