Ridesharing companies differ from traditional taxi services. Unlike taxi drivers, who are usually employed through a company, ridesharing drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles. The person needing a ride uses a ridesharing application on their smartphone to send a trip request, which is then forwarded to a driver. Once the ride is confirmed the rider will be able to see which driver is picking them up, as well as the driver’s rating and the make and model of the vehicle. The driver picks the person up and transports them to their destination. After the client is dropped off the driver will log the trip into the application.
There is a screening process that applicants have to pass before they can drive for Uber in Utah. You must pass a background check and have a clean driving record. The background check will reveal whether the driver has been convicted of reckless driving or a DUI. It will also reveal whether they have ever been convicted of violence or sexual assault. This is done for the protection and safety of passengers. Sadly, despite the precautions that are taken by ridesharing companies, some Lyft and Uber drivers are not safe drivers and cause accidents that injure their passengers.