The use of ride sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft has become the norm for many people, especially in large metropolitan areas. Most people who routinely utilize these services don’t think about the safety of the cars they are riding in. The latest report by Carfax suggests that a large percentage of unrepaired cars subject to recalls in California belong to rideshare company drivers. There are currently no federal regulations that require car owners to address safety recalls. This means that Uber and Lyft drivers can transport passengers in cars with serious safety defects that have not been repaired and not face any legal consequences.
An investigation by CarFax tested 70 Uber and Lyft cars. It discovered that at least one out of every six cars were subject to an open recall. These recalls pertained to a number of defects including faulty airbags, fuel leaks that could cause explosions, and computer glitches leading to large system failures. Some of the cars also faced open recalls for defective Takata airbags, which has been linked to hundreds of injuries and over 20 deaths worldwide. The investigators found that many drivers simply ignored recall notices assuming that the defect would not affect them or the operation of their cars. According to the latest statistics, 7.7 million cars have unresolved safety recalls and 1.5 million of those cars are located in San Francisco.
Lyft clams that it strictly inspects all its drivers’ cars before they are allowed to drive for the rideshare company. It also adds that all drivers in California are obligated to have their cars periodically inspected to ensure they meet applicable safety standards. Similarly, Uber states that it implements an inspection protocol that every driver must pass before being permitted to transport passengers. Because the inspection system does not check for compliance with open recalls, Uber reiterates that drivers are reminded to check whether open recalls exist and to have those recalls addressed.
Unlike Lyft and Uber vehicles, taxi cabs are regulated more rigorously and must meet certain requirements. Inspectors in San Francisco implement a 160-point inspection prior to verifying that the taxi is prepared to safely transport customers. But like rideshare companies, taxis are not checked for open recalls and are not required to fix a recalled defect under the law.
If you or a member of your family suffered injury or death as a result of negligence or a defective automobile, contact the attorneys Alexander Law Group, LLP. Our exceptional personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and get you the maximum compensation that is possible. Call 888.777.1776 or contact us online.
