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Gig Economy Pressures Make Drivers 'More Likely To Crash' (bbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the upon-further-reflection dept.

Drivers and couriers who get their work from apps face a "heightened risk" of crashes, a study suggests. From a report: Research from University College London (UCL) indicated 42% of "gig-economy" couriers and taxi drivers reported vehicle damage because of a collision. Close to half admitted time pressure could make them break the speed limit. Distraction by smartphones and tiredness from overwork were also flagged as risks for those delivering food and parcels. The report draws on 200 responses to an online survey from drivers and couriers, as well as 48 in-depth interviews. The study does not focus on any one particular company, although Uber and Deliveroo are both named as examples of companies that enable gig-economy work -- where employees are not paid a salary but instead get money for each job completed. Of those surveyed, 63% said they had not been provided with safety training on managing risks on the road, while one in 10 reported someone had been injured in a crash while they had been working.

109 comments

  1. Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    Or maybe it is the cocktail of designer prescription drugs for every made up millenial sob story that makes them crash

    1. Re: Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Shuttup.

    2. Re: Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      he's not wrong though

    3. Re: Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fuck you, retard. My post was 100% correct. It should be modded +5 insightful except some nitwit like you decided to censor it to -1.

    4. Re: Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      it is because you are a spammer and a troll.

    5. Re: Either that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Niggennials are worse.

  2. same triangle. by fish_in_the_c · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Low Cost - quality - safety.

    Pick a dot in the triangle you like best. The further you move towards low cost trough lack of regulation you decrease quality or safety.

    In interesting solution would be if the apps started fining those they are paying if they were speeding. probably wont' happen unless a lot of people die.

    --
    âoeTolerance applies only to persons, but never to truth. Intolerance applies only to truth, but never to persons.
    1. Re:same triangle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Please, they'd love to fine them for speeding, and then if they don't speed they lose ratings... as long as the company gets to keep the fine and not pay it out to some third party.

    2. Re:same triangle. by zlives · · Score: 3, Insightful

      that would make them responsible for the drivers actions. this whole sham can exist because of a lack of responsibility.

    3. Re:same triangle. by mysidia · · Score: 2

      In interesting solution would be if the apps started fining those they are paying if they were speeding. probably wont' happen unless a lot of people die.

      They should calculate the distance the worker will have to drive at speed limit and set 120% of that or so as "minimum time required for job" to ensure workers aren't being rushed. If you reach a waypoint faster than the minimum time, then you lose a small portion of your payment for that job and add an extra 10-15 minute timeout "penalty waiting period" that will be imposed before you can accept another job.

    4. Re:same triangle. by jellomizer · · Score: 1

      That is the problem with Gig economy. Is that everyone is working for themselves. So their risk = their reward. This is good, except for the fact that cost of the risks exceed the reward.

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    5. Re:same triangle. by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

      How's half million dollar taxi medallions owned by big companies, who then literally rent it out by the 8 hours for an exhorbitant amount the driver must scurry about for just to barely break even by the end of his shift working?

      Yes, free gig is much worse pressure than that.

      --
      (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
    6. Re:same triangle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      120% would have them rushing like a mad man. If your car has it, some time look at your trip average speed and prepare to cry. You'll frequently find it at around 50% of the average speed limit. Take the distance divided by average speed limit and set it to 200% and you'll be in the ballpark of how long the trip will take.

    7. Re:same triangle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Could a city try and mandate access to location data from Uber for the purposes of tabulating speed overages of drivers in its jurisdiction?

    8. Re:same triangle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Low Cost - quality - safety.

      Pick a dot in the triangle you like best.

      Wait, when did we start talking about 3-way choices as a triangle? What happened to "pick any 2"?

    9. Re:same triangle. by Hognoxious · · Score: 2

      Not really. A Rootard was riding on the sidewalk - way faster than walking speed too - looking at his phone and clipped my kid who was a couple of yards behind me. It actually tore his jacket, but the twat didn't stop and I'm out of pocket, not him.

      I did report it to the local operator (who couldn't identify the individual, which is a lie) and the police (who were too busy, which is also a lie).

      No doubt if I'd clotheslined the little cunt (he was moving so fast I didn't have time to even think about it) they'd have had two swat teams and a chopper there in seconds and I'd have been prosecuted for racially aggravated assault.

      The big ones now have default free-fire orders on anyone cycling on the sidewalk aggressively. Sidestep and aim for the kidneys. They're below the age of criminal responsibility but the middle one can deliver a heck of a punch.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    10. Re:same triangle. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Keep externalizing the costs. Raping the environment. Exterminating all life as we know it. Shit your bed. Etc.

      You. Are. All. SCUM!

    11. Re: same triangle. by cyber-vandal · · Score: 1

      I call them Rootards as well. They're a pain in the arse. I've bought a dashcam in case I hit one of the fuckwits as they whizz brainlessly the wrong way up one way streets.

    12. Re:same triangle. by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      The big ones now have default free-fire orders on anyone cycling on the sidewalk aggressively. Sidestep and aim for the kidneys. They're below the age of criminal responsibility but the middle one can deliver a heck of a punch.

      This all seems reasonable to me, except the part where you admitted guilt by posting it to slashdot. You incited your children to commit crimes, and now you've broadcast that fact to the world on a medium which doesn't even permit you to delete comments...

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  3. No control group. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    More likely to crash.. compared to who? This is just a survey that doesn't compare itself to other delivery or taxi drivers. For it to be relevant at all you need to make comparisons to the industry.

    It could very easily be that people who drive for a living feel time pressure, and get into crashes. Is that at all surprising?

    1. Re:No control group. by mr_java66 · · Score: 0

      I agree completely. It could very easily be that people who choose to do this form of employment are inherently different from average, so the control group would need to take that into account some how at least.

    2. Re:No control group. by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      It doesn't say whether the distinction is made, but I've never seen a taxi driver on their phone and that is listed as a major factor. Even picking a powered off phone up while driving is illegal where I am from. The most I have seen taxi drivers do with their meter while driving is to press a couple buttons, and it is always placed where they can still see the road.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    3. Re:No control group. by Gojira+Shipi-Taro · · Score: 2

      In South Florida, the taxi drivers are on the phone ALL THE FUCKING TIME.

      I don't know what fantasy planet you come from where Taxi drivers are some kind of fucking paragon of service and safety. Services like Uber came to be because TAXI DRIVERS ARE SCUM.They cheat, they do everything they can to maximize the cost of the ride. They pretend their card readers are busted because they want to be paid on cash.

      The worst uber/lyft drivers are TAXI drivers looking for extra money.

      --
      "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my Presidency. I'm fucked."; ~ Donald J. Trump
    4. Re:No control group. by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

      Well that's not the case everywhere. is it not illegal for them to be on their phones while driving? All you need are reasonable laws.

      --
      Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
  4. Unregulated commercial drivers .. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Well, yeah ... you have a bunch of people suddenly scrambling to eke out a few bucks ... they have no oversight, no standards, no commercial driver's license, and probably inadequate insurance.

    Uber et al are leaving them with less and less of the pie, and they're driving more and more hours for less and less money on the spiral to the bottom where they likely can't even cover their vehicle wear and tear.

    I took an Uber exactly once, because a friend used it and insisted on it. The entire time, the driver was looking at his phone, half lost, making some scary turns, and almost missed a stop light.

    My impression is you are getting into the car of some random dude, who has had only the most cursory vetting and demonstration of qualifications, and that I'd never get into one again.

    Uber is basically "getting into cars with random strangers", and if I wanted that, I'd hitch-hike. That they're essentially off-loading the costs of running an illegal taxi company to their drivers further cements they'll never get a dime of my money.

  5. miles driven by avandesande · · Score: 1

    No I am not RTF... f clickbait. Did they correct for miles driven? Obviously if you are doing Uber many hours a week your collision risk goes up.

    --
    love is just extroverted narcissism
    1. Re:miles driven by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No I am not RTF... f clickbait. Did they correct for miles driven? Obviously if you are doing Uber many hours a week your collision risk goes up.

      Just what I was thinking. When you drive 10x more than average, you'll have 10x the risk.

    2. Re:miles driven by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Especially since most drivers are shit and putting them on the road more is begging for problems.

    3. Re:miles driven by bws111 · · Score: 1

      Did they correct WHAT for miles driven? There is nothing to correct.

      The study was interviews of drivers. They reported things like running red lights and speeding because of 'time pressures'. They reported that they had to use distracting apps. They reported that they drive while too tired. None of that has anything to do with 'miles driven'.

    4. Re:miles driven by avandesande · · Score: 1

      People drive similarly shitty when they are not driving for uber, not to mention they are self reporting. All that matters is if their accidents per mile increased while 'gig driving'

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    5. Re:miles driven by bws111 · · Score: 1

      You're missing the point. Being pressured to do unsafe things is different than doing them of your own accord. The outcome does not matter.

      I have seen pictures of people climbing ladders placed on a stack of inverted buckets. By your logic, it should be OK for a roofing company to pressure workers to do that, as long as there are not more falls than the average dope that does that.

    6. Re:miles driven by avandesande · · Score: 1

      Actually yeah, outcomes are all that matter.

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
  6. They drive more by hawguy · · Score: 4, Informative

    42% of "gig-economy" couriers and taxi drivers reported vehicle damage because of a collision

    How does that compare to the general public? how about when corrected per vehicle mile/hour?

    Of course an Uber or Taxi driver is going to be more likely to get into a collision since they drive more. I drive 20 minutes in the morning and evening on familiar routes that I've driven hundreds of times before. I deliberately avoid congested downtown areas when I drive, choosing off-peak times to drive downtown whenever possible.

    A car-share driver is in the car all day long, called out to areas throughout the city and beyond in areas were he may have never been, and his busiest time is also the most congested time, he can't change his work hours to avoid congestion since that's exactly the times his customers most want to travel.

    1. Re:They drive more by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      There are speed bumps near where I work and the delivery drivers don't slow down for them. We get the sudden, loud bangs as their trucks hit a bump at speed and all the stuff they are delivering gets smashed up.

      They don't care because the delivery companies want speed above all else. The trucks and vans belong to the companies who must spend a fortune on maintenance.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    2. Re:They drive more by hawguy · · Score: 1

      There are speed bumps near where I work and the delivery drivers don't slow down for them. We get the sudden, loud bangs as their trucks hit a bump at speed and all the stuff they are delivering gets smashed up.

      They don't care because the delivery companies want speed above all else. The trucks and vans belong to the companies who must spend a fortune on maintenance.

      Isn't that the opposite problem from "gig drivers"? When a driver is responsible for their own vehicle, they are more likely to take care of it, if it's an employer vehicle, then why should the driver care?

      On the other hand, company drivers may be *more* incented to avoid an accident as their employer is likely to take a damage-causing accident more seriously than a self-employed rideshare driver, who may shrug off a dented fender on his own car since it doesn't affect the operation of the car.

    3. Re:They drive more by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      My point is that commercial driving of any kind creates perverse incentives to drive badly. Time pressure is the main factor.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    4. Re:They drive more by m00sh · · Score: 1

      42% of "gig-economy" couriers and taxi drivers reported vehicle damage because of a collision

      How does that compare to the general public? how about when corrected per vehicle mile/hour?

      Of course an Uber or Taxi driver is going to be more likely to get into a collision since they drive more. I drive 20 minutes in the morning and evening on familiar routes that I've driven hundreds of times before. I deliberately avoid congested downtown areas when I drive, choosing off-peak times to drive downtown whenever possible.

      A car-share driver is in the car all day long, called out to areas throughout the city and beyond in areas were he may have never been, and his busiest time is also the most congested time, he can't change his work hours to avoid congestion since that's exactly the times his customers most want to travel.

      Over-confidence also leads to crashes. If you drive a route 200 times, your brain will start ignoring things because they don't happen often. But, when it does happen, you might end up in a crash.

      If you drive to a new place, you'll be constantly tailgated by people who drive there regularly. Familiarity with a route does not necessarily make you a safer driver, most often time it makes you a more aggressive driver.

      Plus Uber drivers are not going to be on the phone or texting on the phone.

    5. Re:They drive more by Cederic · · Score: 1

      I drive more noisily on purpose where there are speed bumps.

      Anything that makes residents hate them more is good.

  7. Academia by DarkOx · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Where we do studies to learn things that became obvious thru pizza deliver in the 1970s!

    --
    Repeal the 17th Amendment TODAY! Also Please Read http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/right-to-read.html
    1. Re:Academia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey Fry! Pizza going out! Come on!!

    2. Re:Academia by The+Original+CDR · · Score: 2

      Avoid the Noid!

      For the younger generation, read here for historical context.

    3. Re:Academia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Studies that confirm common sense are good. They confirm it. And, not incidentally, help to quantify the issue, whatever it is.

      Studies that disprove "common sense" also happen reasonably often, so don't pretend like it's all a waste of time.

    4. Re:Academia by mjwx · · Score: 1

      Where we do studies to learn things that became obvious thru pizza deliver in the 1970s!

      But this has an APP and is DISRUPTIVE... Can you not see the difference?

      --
      Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
  8. Drivers that don't crash! by Chronus1326 · · Score: 1

    I thought this article was about Device Drivers that wouldn't crash...wishful thinking.

    1. Re:Drivers that don't crash! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why hire trained professional programmers when you can hire an untrained amateur programmers on K0d3r? With the K0d3r app, we match you up with random strangers nearby who say they'd love to be programmers if only they had the skills. Make the gig economy work for you!

  9. Not just humans! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Uber AI even crashes under gig economy pressure!

    https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/19/technology/uber-driverless-fatality.html

  10. Where'd they get their training? by Jerry · · Score: 0

    42% ???
    Isn't that the percentage of drivers who learned how to drive in the Middle East before immigrating to England?

    --

    Running with Linux for over 20 years!

    1. Re:Where'd they get their training? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Where'd they get their training?

      GTA series.

  11. Re: FACTS vs. your LIES #1/2 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You failed to actually address many of the points. Try reading them again, dipshit.

  12. Ovbious flaws by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

    Are these apps not designed so that they can only be used when the vehicle is stopped? That is listed as a major factor in TFA so either drivers should be putting their phones down while driving or the app should be redesigned. I would say something to my cab driver if they didn't have their eyes on the road.

    Also, it mentions that Uber "obliges (sic)" drivers to take a break, but how can they expect to control that seeing as the whole structure rewards drivers for taking rides and penalizes them for not taking rides? If they truly wanted them to take breaks, then they should be rewarded for taking breaks.

    --
    Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
    1. Re:Ovbious flaws by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      Most likely they are driving for Uber, Lyft and other riding companies at the same time anyway.
      So a break for one would be working for the other ...

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
  13. Either way we've got amateurs by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    With little training driving on personal insurance. Sooner or later one of them is going to cause a big enough wreck that nobody wants to pay for it and the person they hit is screwed. Nevermind that when you get hit by an Uber driver they've got incentive to try and drive off....

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
    1. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by hawguy · · Score: 1

      With little training driving

      As opposed to Taxi drivers that move months of professional driver training? In most cities, Taxi drivers have no driver training at all.

      on personal insurance. Sooner or later one of them is going to cause a big enough wreck that nobody wants to pay for it and the person they hit is screwed. Nevermind that when you get hit by an Uber driver they've got incentive to try and drive off....

      That's why Uber and Lyft offer liability insurance above and beyond driver personal policies.

      Uber has been in business for 9 years now, Lyft for 6 years, it's a little late in the game to say "Sooner or later something bad is going to happen", they've been around long enough that you can point to concrete examples.

      Nevermind that when you get hit by an Uber driver they've got incentive to try and drive off....

      Don't all drivers have that incentive? And the same disincentives against doing so since they face prosecution for leaving the scene of an accident if caught.

    2. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There's plenty of stories of people who get into accidents as passengers in an uber, the driver's auto insurance won't pay out, and so the passenger is also sued for the accident.

    3. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by hawguy · · Score: 1

      There's plenty of stories of people who get into accidents as passengers in an uber, the driver's auto insurance won't pay out, and so the passenger is also sued for the accident.

      Can you post some of these? I didn't see any with a quick google search: https://www.google.com/search?...

    4. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      In most cities, Taxi drivers have no driver training at all.
      In which country is that? I would like to avoid it!

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    5. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      In what third world country does the insurance not pay? Sure they can sue for compensation from the holder of the insurance, but not paying? No way in Europe! Must be another retardess of America? Or a misconception of yours?

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    6. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by hawguy · · Score: 1

      In most cities, Taxi drivers have no driver training at all.
      In which country is that? I would like to avoid it!

      That's in the USA -- no driver training is required in most (all?) states to obtain a driver license, all that's required is a trivial road test -- my practical test was completely on a closed track at the driver testing center with no on-road component. And likewise, all that's required to become a taxi driver is a driver's license.

    7. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why would the insurance pay? You have PERSONAL USE insurance. If you are using the vehicle for PERSONAL USE then the insurance pays. If you are not using the vehicle for personal use then you DON'T HAVE INSURANCE.

      Another example of Europeans being too stupid to be able to think for or take care of themselves, so the nice big nanny state must step in for them. Does your idiotic system also require your auto insurance to pay if your house burns down?

    8. Re:Either way we've got amateurs by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      In Germany you need 3 licenses:
      a) driving license
      b) person transport permit
      c) local license proving knowledge about the city (you are supposed to either find the quickest or cheapest way from A to B by memorizing the city, aka without consulting a map/app)

      c) can be omitted if you are not really driving a official taxi, but offer "driving services", b) can not be omitted.

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
  14. FACTS vs. your LIES #1/2 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    1.) Users disagree w/ you by DOZENS https://tech.slashdot.org/comm...

    2.) ObjectPascal (no buffer overflow null-term'd bufferoverflow is possible & its faster in strings (hosts are stringwork largely)) is #12/20 on the TIOBE index (& has never left top 20 since 2001) - FAR from "arcane" (like C++, it's a classic here to stay) https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-in... + Pascal's proven FASTER than C++ on stringwork (~4-5x so & in math too).

    3.) I've used Linux & *NIX before you were BORN most likely (*NIX thru the 80's & Linux on/off since 1994)

    4.) Windows version doesn't need anymore work (see #1 reviews of it above).

    5.) see #1 above for EXACT QUOTES registered /.ers stated

    6.) BSD version IS done in latest Linux model (BSD keeps binary compatiblity w/ Linux afaik).

    7.) My source was audited by Steven Burn of Malwarebytes (not some amateur) who hosts it & recommends it also

    APK

    P.S.=> Part #2/2 https://news.slashdot.org/comm... & it's obvious you FEAR me resorting to lies & hiding by unidentifiable anonymous... apk

  15. No, you don't. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Low Cost - quality - safety.

    Pick a dot in the triangle you like best. The further you move towards low cost trough lack of regulation you decrease quality or safety.

    In interesting solution would be if the apps started fining those they are paying if they were speeding. probably wont' happen unless a lot of people die.

    You CAN have low cost, quality and safety.

    The catch? The CEO wan't make 400 times what everyone else makes and shareholders just won't make the returns they want.

    So, stick it to Wall Street and the CEO.

    And the problem with that is? Nothing. There is no CEO in the States that's worth his money. None. No exceptions.

    Don't bother posting, "What about so-and-so?"

    Nope. Not even him. Yes, especially Musk.

  16. Lack of proper driver education/training by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 1

    In this country (U.S.) we used to teach people to drive when they were in highschool. That stopped at least a couple decades ago, and while vehicle safety features and overall quality has improved, driver skill has declined as a result of less rigorous driver education and training. Just learning barely enough to pass a multiple-choice test and a barely passing grade on a short skills test isn't enough, it's why we have crashes and deaths, and it's why a segment of the population wants to jam so-called 'self driving cars' down everyones' throats now, regardless of the damned things not being anywhere near good enough now or likely ever. What we need is better driver training, education, and TESTING, including re-testing more often, and perhaps mandatory refresher education and training at regular intervals, regardless of driving record. This should most certainly include, and perhaps start with, any sort of 'commercial' driver, meaning Uber, Lyft, and similar drivers. That's the way forward, folks.

    1. Re:Lack of proper driver education/training by EndlessNameless · · Score: 1

      Your post is one good idea mixed up with a ton of luddite nonsense.

      wants to jam so-called 'self driving cars' down everyones' throats now

      How is this being jammed down anyone's throat? You can't even buy one right now, and no one is seriously talking about a legal mandate (which is the only way to "force" them on people).

      the damned things not being anywhere near good enough now or likely ever

      Google has had self-driven cars on the road for years. For legal purposes, they were required to have a person in the driver seat in some states, but that person didn't have to do anything.

      So far, their self-driven cars are better than the vast majority of drivers---no at-fault accidents.

      For consumer vehicles, Tesla's self-driving tech looks like a shitshow. This is the biggest problem I have with the company. But Volvo and BMW seem to have their act together---and yes, they haven't released anything to the public because it isn't quite ready yet.

      What we need is better driver training, education, and TESTING, including re-testing more often

      This is what I agree with. Both self-driven vehicles and well-trained drivers will make the roads safer.

      As an added bonus, self-driving cars will be immensely helpful to people who can't or shouldn't drive. Life will get a little better for anyone suffering from age-related decline, disability, medication side effects, illness/fatigue, etc.

      --

      ---
      According to the latest ruleset, this post should be modded as Vorpal Flamebait +5.
    2. Re:Lack of proper driver education/training by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 1

      Your post is one good idea mixed up with a ton of luddite nonsense.

      Stopped reading right there.

    3. Re:Lack of proper driver education/training by Daralantan · · Score: 1

      B-b-b-but it might hurt their feelings if they fail a test!

    4. Re:Lack of proper driver education/training by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      In this country (U.S.) we used to teach people to drive when they were in highschool. That stopped at least a couple decades ago,

      School-hosted driver training programs still exist, but parents (or students) have to foot the bill and less and less people can afford to pay for that any more. My high school had driver training, but I couldn't afford it so I didn't get any. A friend showed me how to drive in a school parking lot, but it wasn't my school and there wasn't much showing. Then I drove his car on CA 9 and had to pull over for people a lot, but I didn't hit anything or cause any accidents.

      Alas, funding public education is not a priority in this country, and much of the funding which does reach schools is siphoned off by management.

      What we need is better driver training, education, and TESTING, including re-testing more often, and perhaps mandatory refresher education and training at regular intervals, regardless of driving record.

      Don't forget vehicle inspection, which should happen on mileage or time intervals, whichever is shorter. Most states don't have any, except for a subset of commercial vehicles, and it's usually pretty pointless.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  17. and then they can't be 1099'ers and must be w2 by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    and then they can't be 1099'ers and must be w2 and even then they can't dock them under minwage. So at best fire / cut work hours of people who do it. But may lead to some on long ride just dumping someone at the site of the highway or speeding to get them home after an airport pickup so they don't hit 29+ hours an week.

  18. Just try to do the speed limit on some roads you w by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    Just try to do the speed limit on some roads you will get crushed by others doing 70+ in an 55.

  19. pizza drivers some have unsafe cars by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 2

    https://www.restaurant-hospita...

  20. uber should pay for time to go backup pickup point by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    uber should pay for time to go backup pickup point (airport) at the very least.

  21. Yeah, studies like this are needed for court cases by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    you need data to back up your assertions.

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
  22. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by mysidia · · Score: 0

    I suggest installation of more hidden speed cameras with radar detectors. Make sure the majority of cars exceeding the speed limit
    by more than the greater of 5 Mph and 10% of max allowed speed will be ticketed.

  23. Domino effect by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/22/business/domino-s-ends-fast-pizza-pledge-after-big-award-to-crash-victim.html

    RRK

  24. Re:The title is unsubstantiated. by bws111 · · Score: 2

    Bullshit. You do not need a 'control group'. The article (and headline) are not about whether or not gig-economy drivers are more or less safe than other drivers, it is about whether or not the 'pressures' of being a gig-economy driver are making them less safe than they would otherwise be. The given examples of things that make them unsafe is running red lights and speeding due to 'time pressure', using a required but distracting app, driving while too tired, etc. There is no possible way that you can spin that doing those things makes you 'safer' or even 'as safe' as someone who does not do them.

  25. I dunno about that... by smithmc · · Score: 1

    This past weekend, I had to take Uber rides from western Suffolk County NY to Queens and back, about 30 miles each way. Both drivers were scrupulous about following the speed limit, maybe a couple of miles over, when they easily could have gone faster. (I certainly did not ask them to.)

    --
    Downmodding is the refuge of the weak. Don't downmod, make a better argument!
  26. APK lies all the time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    APK lies all the time and hates it when someone speaks the truth about him.
    Like how he claims the Chinese copied him but can't produce any evidence.
    How about when he states that hosts does port filtering but again can't backup his statement which was shown to be false.
    There is also his list of "experts" who support him but it turns out they don't say what he is claiming.
    This also ignores his out of context quotes he uses to lie by omission.
    The problem with APK is that his entire reputation is built upon the lie he told years ago that hosts is an effective security solution. It has been exposed numerous times as being a lie and when exposed APK fails to argue logically and instead will try to deflect criticism, change the subject, move the goal posts, return to a previously disproven statement, demand you prove you did better than his file concatenator, or just call people names. He will continue to lie by stating that he won or "dusted" you while failing to refute anything you said, will never provide real evidence, and generally try to dodge the issue.

    Face it APK is one of the most detested individuals here for good reason. When ever his poor behavior, awful logic, over statements, and horrendous writing are called out he has a fit and has done so for years across the internet. He is a spammer, and is an abusive insecure little man who is washed up and never amounted to anything. Until he produces actual verifiable facts supporting his case nothing he says should be taken seriously.

  27. Projecting your homosexuality I see by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Projecting your homosexuality I see: Figures. You act like a bitch stalking me by unidentifiable anonymous posts or impersonating me. Do us all a favor & keep your ABNORMAL unnatural sodomy to yourself - ok?

    As to my roomie? Hey: He's doing well - & he'd probably hospitalize you for your bullshit but then that's WHY "your kind" HIDES, ANTIFA pusscake. You have to. You're whimps & weezils.

    APK

    P.S.=> I run my own businesses for a decade++ & am FREE of the 'wageslave' life you obviously had to endure & project you cannot hold a job since you're an obsessive PSYCHO that stalks & impersonates me for your "job" (not)... apk

  28. You must be a masochist! apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Who did it 1st: China or me? I did - dates are my proof w/ the FACT China rampantly STEALS U.S. Intellectual properties & military secrets!

    It was also a PLEASURE BLOWING YOU AWAY today both here https://news.slashdot.org/comm... & here too https://news.slashdot.org/comm...

    Point by "so-called 'point' LIES" of yours, easily as always vs. "your kind" (LOWEST of the LOW Antifa UNIDENTIFIABLE anonymous losers that STALK me OR also IMPERSONATE me on /.).

    APK

    P.S.=> TONS of security experts KNOW blacklists work (no questions asked) & 3 things show I do it right:

    1st = User praise my hosts engine https://tech.slashdot.org/comm... (so much for ME being "detested" but I'm not here to win a popularity contest - just here to WIN so everyone does).

    2nd "ATTACKS" I GET (from UNIDENTIFIABLE ac as Elon Musk got https://tech.slashdot.org/stor... )

    3rd BEING IMITATED = "Imitation = sincerest form of flattery" https://linux.slashdot.org/com... JUST LIKE CHINA DID ME TOO... apk

  29. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by DarkOx · · Score: 1

    Or here is a crazy thought we could actually just increase the posted speeds to the rates most people want to drive at now. The fact is there are places were most people speed. Those places should have the speed limits increased. Most people are breaking the law therefor so thefore the law is undesirable as viewed by the public. The democratic thing to do is change it. Sure it might be "less safe" but the vote has gone against reducing traffic deaths and increasing speeds - so there

    --
    Repeal the 17th Amendment TODAY! Also Please Read http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/right-to-read.html
  30. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by mysidia · · Score: 1

    The democratic thing to do is change it. Sure it might be "less safe" but the vote has gone against reducing traffic deaths and increasing speeds - so there

    One of the major purposes of government on the roads is to protect human life and ensure safety: even when doing so results in inconvenience for most drivers.

    You don't get to vote to put other people's lives in danger, even if you are in the majority --- that is not how government works, And it is part of the reason we have representative governments not mob rule; the representatives are to recognize when the majority are in the wrong due to present-focus or other cognitive issues which entice people doing things against their own interests and help provide the regulation and enforcement to protect them anyways ---- In other words, if a majority of people speed at X, that calls for further changes to the road features to dissuade speeding or stronger enforcement of the speed limit to protect the safety of both the law-abiding minority and dissuade the violating majority, not changing the speed limit.

  31. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by DarkOx · · Score: 2

    Disagree strongly. A democratic society or a representative society does get to vote on how much safety is enough when it comes to our shared space and shared resources like roads.

    There city councils deal with speed limits in various places all the time. We could just make all interstate highways 25mph zones and probably all but eliminate collisions but that does not make it right - it makes it safe - but not correct.

    --
    Repeal the 17th Amendment TODAY! Also Please Read http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/right-to-read.html
  32. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by bws111 · · Score: 1

    There must be a balance of risk to benefit. People, in general, are terrible at assessing risk. So we hire people who are trained in risk assessment, etc to help us out.

  33. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by mrsquid0 · · Score: 1

    The problem is that this has been tried and it does not work. Increasing speed limits tends to lead to people driving even fast.

    --
    Just because you are paranoid does not mean that no-one is out to get you.
  34. Re: Just try to do the speed limit on some roads y by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Imperial fiat doesn't change behavior. An artificially low speed limit causes a much lather delta V between the people driving a reasonable speed and the people driving the speed limit.

  35. Re:The title is unsubstantiated. by Daralantan · · Score: 1

    I also like the part where they complain about not being given safety training for driving.

  36. Learn to READ dumbshit... apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    See subject + THIS you dumbass shithead, lol https://news.slashdot.org/comm... [slashdot.org]

    * I can TELL you are a "registered 'luser'" since even your ANONYMOUS submitted posts can be FAR LONGER than mine as a TRUE AC!

    More PROOF YOU BLEW IT again vs. me is that You VAINLY tried "downmod hiding" YOUR FAIL 2x (as I posted this before too which you downmod hid) https://news.slashdot.org/comm... & https://news.slashdot.org/comm... you PITIFUL little IMBECILE hypocrite, loL!

    APK

    P.S.=> Why are you HIDING from me doing UNIDENTIFIABLE anonymous posts, pusscake? I know why - you FEAR me & I've torn you apart before under your doubtless MANY sockpuppet accounts you keep here to upmod yourself & downmod others like myself when we BLOW YOUR DUMBASS AWAY easily as I have in both of my posts stupid... apk

  37. No, you're not I but... apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    See subject: I don't know WHO you are UNIDENTIFIABLE anonymous troll but I know WHAT you are - a psycho loon STALKING me OR even IMPERSONATING me & failing your "poor imitation" proving you WISH you were me (but you & "your kind"? Mere DO-NOTHING "ne'er-do-well" PUSSCAKE snowflakes?? You can't EVER be - your type is a "NOTMAN" loser).

    * GROW UP & GET ON TOPIC freak.

    APK

    P.S.=> Do you want to know WHY you're such a fail (proof was here https://news.slashdot.org/comm... & here today too https://news.slashdot.org/comm... vs. me in you FAILING, lol)? You waste time in that WASTED LIFE of yours by STALKING me OR IMPERSONATING me fool... apk

  38. FACTS vs. your LIES #2/2 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    8.) My own hosts file is partially my data @ ~500/day I find (scripts, ads) & Good luck deduplicating/filtering them manually!

    9) I wager I have MOST ALL adservers blocked per lists I use from others & MY OWN noted above & w/ malware are an ONGOING PROCESS - show where I speak absolutes of I block "ALL ADS"?

    10) Blacklists WORK. Whitelists = maintenance/false positive nightmare (so are wildcards) - hosts specifics aren't.

    Why else would I be COPIED https://linux.slashdot.org/com... ?

    11) Resolution's FASTER via hosts (blocks don't matter: you don't intend to get to 'em) via fav. sites u spend most time @ online @ TOP of hosts LOCALLY CACHED IN RAM (faster vs. dns & no chance of DNS poisoning OR tracking).

    12) Nobody NORMAL bitches on my making 'em FASTER/SAFER/more reliably connected/more anonymous. Webmasters, Advertisers, malwaremakers & INFERIOR inefficient competitors do.

    APK

    P.S.=> Rest was your effete "SiDeWaLk-ShRiNk of /." LIBELING me... apk

  39. Re:Just try to do the speed limit on some roads yo by pnutjam · · Score: 1

    They should increase the speed limit to a clearly unsafe rate and impound cars that exceed the speed limit.

    --
    Cheap storage VM.
  40. Re:Projecting your homosexuality I see by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You know how you sometimes watch NASCAR, and the most exciting things in the race is the car crash? APK is the car crash of Slashdot.

  41. I know this is anecdotal evidence... by kaatochacha · · Score: 1

    But recently, anytime some moron is dangerously tailgating me trying to get around me, they have a Lyft/Uber sticker on the car. I don't think they speed with passengers in the car, but getting to pickups drive like madmen.