How To Stay Safe While Ride Sharing!

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular in recent years, particularly in major cities. These companies are hiring drivers to offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxi services. Riders can use their smartphones to request an Uber or Lyft and take a ride within minutes. Drivers pick them up and follow maps and/or navigation to get them where they want to go.

While these services are generally considered safe, there is the danger of accidents or other harm. If you or anyone you know has been in an Uber accident, don’t hesitate to look up a lawyer for Uber accidents in Vegas, or in the city you reside. You will be wise to lawyer up because you might not understand what claims you’re entitled to unless you enlist legal help.

Here’s how you can stay safe when you’re using a ride share service.

Always check ratings

If a driver has had problems with passengers in the past, it is likely they will have bad reviews. Check to see if there are bad reviews on the driver who is scheduled to pick you up. If the driver does, the Uber or Lyft should be canceled and a new driver should be scheduled.

Don’t ride shotgun

Passengers riding in the front seat were on the receiving end of the assaults, groping and other unwanted behaviours. The rear seat provides distance from the driver and the ability to exit the vehicle when an incident occurs. Always choose the place you feel most safe.

Always use maps

Use the ridesharing application or a mapping application like Waze on your smartphone to view the route while you’re traveling. This will ensure the driver uses the most efficient route and will take you to the correct destination. It will also ensure the driver doesn’t mislead you while taking you to your destination.

Choose groups

Numbers always provide safety. Ride to your destination with friends or family members wherever possible. If you’re traveling alone and feel uncomfortable, call a friend or member of your family and let them know where you’re going and when you’re going to arrive. You can send them your live location if needed, so they know when you’re on the move.

Trust your gut

If you feel uncomfortable or feel something is wrong then don’t get into the car. If you are already in the car, simply ask to be dropped off at the safe location nearest you. If the driver refuses, call 911 straight away and prepare to run!

Check the driver’s details

Make sure the driver matches their image in the app and ask them for their name before they get into the vehicle. Don’t enter the vehicle and notify authorities if they don’t resemble their photo and/or don’t give the correct name. Also, ensure that the license plate of the vehicle in front of you matches the one given on the app. This way, you’ll know that the driver is who they say they are!