While many Uber drivers are responsible and careful drivers, not all are. Ride-share drivers only get paid when they have an active customer. They are not paid by the hour or the shift. They may thus feel an economic incentive that leads to potentially dangerous behavior, such as:
Speeding to complete rides as quickly as possible.
Taking the fastest route possible, which may not be the safest or most prudent.
Operating in areas of high traffic, such as airports after flights land.
Consulting their app and phone more than is prudent while driving.
Additionally, the maintenance and upkeep of the cars is the financial responsibility of the driver, not Uber. There is no industry-wide quality standard that applies to ride-share vehicles at the current time. Poor maintenance and lack of repair can lead to accidents. While many Uber drivers keep their cars in good shape, ultimately, it is the driver’s decision and is not monitored by Uber.