Is Uber Safer than Taxis?

February 10, 2025 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury

Whether you are commuting to work, heading out for a night with friends, or touring Miami, you need a safe, reliable form of transportation. Uber vehicles and taxicabs are convenient options, but each choice comes with its own safety pros and cons. You should carefully consider your needs against the following factors to avoid an Uber accident, taxi accident, or other potentially dangerous rideshare scenarios.

Safety Screening for Uber and Taxi Drivers

When considering between Uber and Miami Taxis, it is important to consider the safety screening processes in place. In Florida, both Uber drivers and taxi drivers must undergo background checks and can be denied a license for DUI infractions or criminal behavior occurring within specified timeframes. Further, Miami taxi drivers must also complete a training program before getting licensed.

Identifying Drivers

Uber gives passengers access to driver profiles and allows riders to rate their drivers, giving operators an incentive to drive safely and act professionally. To ensure drivers are driving under their identity, the company asks drivers to send selfies, which they match against the driver’s online profile to ensure accuracy. Taxi drivers must post a picture of themselves and their registration number inside the taxi. Still, this information does not provide the same level of detail as a driver profile and customer reviews.

Despite screenings and impromptu selfie requests, drivers can be predators or incapable of driving safely.

Per Uber’s vehicle requirements, rideshare drivers cannot use cars that are more than 16 years old. At a minimum, the vehicles must have four doors, be in good condition, and be without cosmetic damage. Additional standards apply for Uber Black, Uber XL, or ride-upgrade vehicles.

Section 31-89 of Miami’s Code of Ordinances establishes standards for taxis. The vehicles must have working air-conditioning systems, clean exteriors and interiors, and functioning windows and door handles, among other requirements. Taxis do not automatically “age out” after 16 years.

Uber vehicles and taxis must meet federal and state safety standards, but Uber vehicles may have more updated safety features.

Ride-Safety Factors

Through Uber’s in-app safety features, riders can share their trip locations so others know where they are throughout the ride. In emergencies, they can call 911, and dispatchers will automatically see their location and trip information. Passengers can verify rides before entering a vehicle with Uber’s PIN verification, and Uber’s RideCheck feature triggers a check-in with passengers and drivers if the system senses a ride has gone off course or experienced an accident.

Miami taxis must all have GPS tracking systems operating 24/7, but these systems do not offer real-time location monitoring. They are also equipped with two-way radios, making communication between dispatch and the taxi available at all times.

Ride Processes and Fares

With Uber, passengers can count on a precise pick-up time, often avoiding waiting outside, possibly alone or in a dark area, as could happen with hailing down a taxi ride. Taxis can be arranged and planned if not used spontaneously.

Regarding fares, taxi drivers can accept cash or credit card payments, and taxi fares are less predictable, depending on the distance of location and metered rates. Uber passengers pay through an app, eliminating the need for cash, but Uber fares can also vary. Riders can see sudden rate increases when traveling during peak times or to popular events.

Contact the Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers for more help

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191

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