The New York Times reports in its blog that ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft require drivers to respond instantly to their phones to accept fares, which experts say “puts drivers in a tough spot: answer or lose money.” This has lead to concerns about driver safety in the wake of recent legislation banning talking and texting without a hands-free device. According to the article, “Two lawsuits, one filed against Uber and another against Lyft, contend the services are negligent by violating California’s law against driver use of hand-held electronic devices.” Former California State Senator Joe Simitian, original author of the legislation, commented that requiring drivers to read and respond manually to information on their phones could be a violation. The article notes that “misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges were filed against an Uber driver, Syed Muzaffar, who hit and killed a 6-year-old girl in a San Francisco crosswalk last New Year’s Eve,” who could face up to one year in county jail.
From the news release of the American Association for Justice.
