A recent rash of attacks on Uber and Lyft drivers raises
questions regarding the safety of these gig economy workers.
Drivers must often work under dangerous circumstances, including
chauffeuring complete strangers, many of whom are intoxicated and
thus need a designated driver, to unfamiliar destinations at all
times of the day and night.
Numerous Recent Attacks Have Occurred
Rideshare drivers and other gig workers who interact with the
public are concerned for their safety. They have described the
uncertainty of their job conditions, including having no background
information on their customers, as giving them “the
creeps” “because . . . you never know who you’re
gonna pick up.” There is good reason for this concern.
Several well-publicized attacks on gig workers occurred during the
recent holiday season, and have continued during the new year. Some
of these attacks included the use of weapons by customers.
