Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to get around, especially when public transportation is limited. However, it’s important for passengers to take precautions and follow basic safety tips when using rideshares to ensure a safe trip. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
Choosing Your Driver
- Confirm the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo before getting into the car. Make sure they match what’s listed in the app. Double check all details.
- Check the driver’s rating and reviews if possible. Avoid drivers with low ratings. Ideally choose drivers with ratings of 4.5 stars or higher.
- Trust your instincts. If anything seems off about the driver or vehicle, cancel the ride. You can always order another car. Don’t feel bad about cancelling if you feel unsafe.
- Confirm the number of passengers matches the ride type. For example, you don’t want to get into a regular sedan if you ordered an XL.
- Take note of hygiene and cleanliness factors. While not always correlated with safety, messy and unclean vehicles can signal other issues.
During the Ride
- Sit in the backseat when possible, and use the rear door to enter and exit. This puts space between you and the driver. Never sit in the front seat.
- Share trip details and your ETA with a friend or family member. Doing this allows someone to know where you are. Provide updates if your plans change.
- Enable GPS tracking in the app so your route is documented. Also enable options to share your trip with friends.
- Charge your phone so you have power and access to the app. Carry an external phone charger or battery pack to be safe.
- Wear your seatbelt and follow general car safety practices. Don’t be afraid to kindly ask the driver to slow down.
- Politely confirm the destination with your driver at the start of the trip to avoid any mix-ups. Re-confirm during longer trips.
- Do not share personal information with your driver beyond what’s required for the ride. Do not give out your phone number.
- Avoid confrontation. If a driver is rude or makes you uncomfortable, stay calm, keep your distance, and report them after.
Exiting the Vehicle
- Check that you have all your belongings before exiting the vehicle. Check your seats and below for fallen items.
- If you feel uncomfortable at any point, do not exit the vehicle. Ask the driver to take you to a public location or wait for you to request another ride. Trust those instincts.
- If you are riding alone, consider asking the driver to wait until you have entered your destination before leaving. This is especially important at night.
- If you accidentally left something in the vehicle, contact the driver through the app so you don’t have to share your phone number. But don’t panic too much over lost items.
- For airport pickups, ensure the driver verifies your name rather than relying on car descriptions. Imposters have posed as rideshares at airports.
Reporting Issues
- Give low ratings and feedback for poor service, unsafe driving, vehicle condition issues, or other problems. This helps improve the service.
- Report any serious incidents to the rideshare company immediately. Most have 24-hour safety hotlines. Don’t delay reporting major issues.
- For emergencies, call 911. Make sure to report any crimes or dangerous situations to the police. File a report even for minor incidents to create a record.
- Document issues with photos/videos when possible. Hard evidence helps with claims. But don’t risk your safety capturing documentation.
- Avoid confrontations and limit engagement if a ride goes bad. Stay calm, get to safety, and report the incident after the fact.
Nighttime Rides
Riding at night, especially when alone, requires some extra precautions:
- Avoid isolated pick-up and drop-off points. Opt for locations that are well-lit and populated. Scope out the area in advance during the daytime.
- Tell a friend when you’ve been picked up and dropped off. Having someone aware helps. Share ride details.
- Use the emergency buttons within rideshare apps if you feel in danger during the trip. Many will automatically call emergency services.
- When getting out, scope the area first. If anything seems off, stay in the car and ask the driver for help or to take you to a safer spot.
- If you are riding alone, consider asking the driver to wait until you have entered your destination before leaving. Watch the car until it drives off.
- At night, sit directly behind the driver rather than next to them. And check for interior lights, door locks, and window controls.
Impaired Riding
Ridesharing after drinking or while impaired creates risks. But there are ways to mitigate them:
- Travel with friends rather than alone if out drinking. Solo impaired rides are very risky.
- Input the destination when sober rather than giving directions when intoxicated. Also enter it into your phone for reference.
- Let your friends know your ride plans and share your location with them.
- Be respectful of the driver and vehicle if you feel sick or nauseous from drinking. Carry clean up or illness bags.
- Arrange a safe way to get into your home rather than relying solely on the driver for door-to-door drop off.
- Drink water and eat food to better control your level of impairment.
Take note if the driver seems impaired, and if there is evidence they have been drinking, do not take the ride.
Rideshare Accidents
Unfortunately, accidents can occur during rideshare trips, whether due to driver error, reckless driving, poor weather conditions, or other factors.
If you are involved in an accident as a rideshare passenger, remain calm and dial 911 if anyone is injured. Gather information like license plate and insurance details, take photos/videos if possible, get witness contact info, cooperate with authorities, seek medical attention even for minor injuries, and report the incident to the rideshare company.
Accidents with rideshares can be complicated, so consulting a personal injury attorney is advisable to understand how to recover damages and who is liable. Rideshare insurance policies have protections, but legal guidance helps maximize compensation. If the worst happens and someone is killed, contact a wrongful death attorney Henderson NV from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys.
Rideshares require common sense, but with precautions, they can be a reasonably safe transportation option when needed. Stay alert and you can reach your destination smoothly. But if it all goes wrong or a loved one dies in a rideshare accident, get in touch with a Henderson wrongful death lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys.
Call us at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) today!
