Photo of attorneys E. Kelly Conway, Michael E. Gehring and Stephen G. Harvey

Carter Law Offices, P.C.

Standing Up And Seeking Justice For The Underdog

  1. Home
  2.  • 
  3. Car Accidents
  4.  • What does Uber do to stop tired drivers?

What does Uber do to stop tired drivers?

On Behalf of | Jun 22, 2018 | Car Accidents

One potential problem, in the early days of Uber and similar services, was that drivers could set their own hours. This was an advantage in many ways, but what if it meant that the drivers were not safe?

For instance, would a driver with a rent payment coming up try to work for 16 hours straight, driving all through the night in a desperate attempt to earn more money? Would a driver who was so tired that he or she was nodding off at the wheel just keep on driving if the rates were good?

If so, everyone on the road — along with the driver and his or her passengers — would be in significant danger. Drowsy driving can lead to fatal accidents.

Fortunately, Uber has taken some steps to reduce the risk, if not to try to eliminate the problem. Drivers can only drive for 12 hours in a row. When they get near the end of that period, a timer counts down and warns them they have two hours left, one hour left and then 30 minutes left. Eventually, they’ll be barred from using the app for six hours. This gives them a rest break.

It is important to note that the 12 hours only apply to driving itself. A car that is parked at an airport to pick someone up, for instance, will not be “on the clock.” Therefore, someone could “work” for more than 12 hours, though he or she couldn’t drive for more than 12 hours.

Have you been injured by a drowsy driver? If so, make sure you know what options you have to seek financial compensation.