In the past decade, ride sharing has become a go-to option for millions of people. Whether it’s a quick trip to the airport, a safe ride home from a night out, or a way to avoid parking hassles downtown, services like Uber and Lyft are widely viewed as convenient and reliable. But while ride sharing offers flexibility, it’s not without risks, especially during the summer months, when both riders and drivers are more active.
With summer bringing an uptick in travel, nightlife, and social gatherings, more people rely on these services. However, several safety concerns, some well-documented and others less visible, have emerged over the years. Understanding these risks helps riders make smarter decisions, especially during peak travel periods.
Summer is when ride sharing activity spikes. Riders use the apps more often during vacations, concerts, sporting events, and weekend outings. Late-night rides become more common, especially among teens and college students. With that increase comes added exposure to risks that riders may overlook.
Many drivers treat ride sharing as a part-time gig, with some using summer months to boost earnings. However, this can also mean more inexperienced or fatigued drivers are on the road, especially during peak hours. Some drivers may work long shifts, particularly during weekend nights, increasing the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
Ride sharing often feels like a safer choice late at night, especially after drinking, and it often is safer than getting behind the wheel yourself. But night rides come with added risks. Impaired drivers are still on the road, lighting conditions are worse, and distractions are harder to manage. In some cities, there’s also concern over unverified or fraudulent drivers posing as legitimate ones during late-night pickups.
Seasonal travel trends put additional pressure on the ride sharing ecosystem:
Additionally, summer heat can affect drivers’ focus and vehicle performance, especially in regions like Arizona where cabin temperatures can become dangerously high during idle wait times.
While ride sharing remains a useful option, here are some simple precautions that can help keep you safer:
According to Attorney Stephen Bridger from Phoenix, Arizona, “We all want to get home safely, and that starts with being aware of our surroundings and the choices we make before we even get in a vehicle. Simple precautions can make a real difference, especially during high-risk times like summer weekends.”
Stephen Bridger is a lawyer based in Phoenix, currently employed at the Pinal County Prosecutor’s Office. As a state prosecutor, his work focuses on holding offenders accountable and promoting community safety. He does not provide legal advice or represent individuals, but his experience underscores the impact poor choices can have on public safety.
