Regular safety inspections could be a thing of the past if Governor Ducey signs HB 2773. This bill creates an exception to the current law requiring anyone driving for a “transportation network company” to get their brakes and tires checked annually. This misguided bill removes that requirement from vehicles less than 10 years old. The burden then shifts to the owner attesting the vehicle meets safety standards.
The measure was written by Rep. Jeff Weninger from Chandler and is being pushed by Uber. At a hearing in February, Uber lobbyist Shaun Rieve told lawmakers the cost of having a mechanic check the tires or brakes could deter some people from signing up to become Uber drivers. Rieve suggested the requirements are “cumbersome and create bottlenecks for Arizonians who want to make money on Uber’s platform.” Rieve went on to say that Uber has fewer drivers on the road in Arizona compared to states “without such onerous requirements.”
Some in the minority were not convinced. Rep. Mitzi Epstein from Tempe said during the floor debate that “we have bad ideas, very bad ideas and Uber bad ideas.” She went on to say she “worries very much about the safety of consumers.” Rep. Butler from Paradise scoffed at the notion that a driver checking is a valid replacement for a mechanic. “I want you to picture yourself leaving a bar at night, how many of your walk all the way around the Uber and check the tires to be certain there is enough tread?”
The sentiment was echoed by seven-year Uber driver Aaron Flannery who told lawmakers that “in all those years no customer ever checked the tread on the tires of his car.” Flannery went on to say that he averaged about 50,000 miles per year which is three times what the average driver racks up and in one of his seven years he drove over 88,000 miles!
The foundation of my law firm is integrity, honesty and compassion. I have over 20 years of experience helping Tucson families who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. I help with serious injuries that require serious representation. I am a vigorous advocate for my clients, protect their rights and give them a voice in the court room. Call Tammy Carter Law 24/7/365 at 520-333-7737.