Safety on the line: Drivers who juggle multiple jobs are more likely to take risks on the road
Resource Details
Author(s): Alexandra D. Lefcoe, Catherine E. Connelly
Date: October 1, 2023
The driving profession is unsafe. Taxi drivers and ride-hail drivers, who drive for apps like Uber and Lyft, face many safety risks on the road, from accidents and injuries to harassment and violence.
In fact, 83 per cent of ride-hail drivers from around the world feel their work is unsafe. As a result, 22 per cent of American drivers carry weapons in their vehicles to protect themselves.
Our recent research study aimed to examine whether low income, lack of rest and few breaks lead to unsafe behaviour in drivers. We compared the driving behaviours of multi-job professional drivers — those who drive for taxi companies or ride-hail apps and also have another job — with those whose only job is driving.
We found that multi-job professional drivers took the most risks. These drivers were more likely to run red lights and carry weapons, such as knives, for safety reasons. These behaviours pose risks not only to drivers, but also to the public.
In fact, 83 per cent of ride-hail drivers from around the world feel their work is unsafe. As a result, 22 per cent of American drivers carry weapons in their vehicles to protect themselves.
Our recent research study aimed to examine whether low income, lack of rest and few breaks lead to unsafe behaviour in drivers. We compared the driving behaviours of multi-job professional drivers — those who drive for taxi companies or ride-hail apps and also have another job — with those whose only job is driving.
We found that multi-job professional drivers took the most risks. These drivers were more likely to run red lights and carry weapons, such as knives, for safety reasons. These behaviours pose risks not only to drivers, but also to the public.