Taking advantage of Uber or Lyft ridesharing services is convenient. Whether you’re attending a party or are in a busy city, ridesharing can be a life-saver.
That’s not to say there aren’t any risks involved. Anytime you do ridesharing, you must keep safety in mind. Even though drivers get screened before getting hired, it’s still wise to be cautious.
Car accidents can happen, or you could get put in harm’s way. You could get picked up by the wrong driver or kidnapped in extreme circumstances. While both are unlikely, it’s still wise to err on the side of caution.
Follow these tips to keep safety a priority as you enjoy the convenience of ridesharing.
1. Don’t Wait Outside Alone
Being in danger doesn’t always happen during a Uber or Lyft ride. Sometimes people put themselves in danger by waiting outside alone.
While waiting for your ride, do not put yourself in unnecessary danger. For example, if it’s late and dark outside, wait inside until they arrive.
You can track when the driver reaches your destination. So stay safe and don’t put yourself in harm’s way while waiting for them to arrive.
2. Let Someone Know You’re Ridesharing
Anytime you have a Uber or Lyft driver pick you up, let a friend know. When you travel, you likely keep someone apprised of your whereabouts. It should be the same way when you ride share.
A friend should know when and where a driver is picking you up to stay safe. Then, if something goes amiss, they’ll know where you last were.
3. Ask for the Driver’s Name
When a Lyft or Uber driver arrives, ask for their name. First, you should verify that the correct driver is there. If they have a different name or something seems off, cancel the ride. It’s better to get another ride with a driver who is who they said they are. Everything about the driver should match up with the Uber or Lyft app.
4. Check the License Plate
Besides asking the driver’s name, check the car’s license plate. Besides the driver’s name, the order will show the license plate to confirm the details.
Just like you shouldn’t get into a vehicle with the wrong driver, you also shouldn’t get into a car with the wrong license plate. Check the plates so that everything on your Uber or Lyft ride matches up.
5. Sit in the Back Seat of the Car
In the event of a car accident, you’re always safer when you sit in the backseat. So, when getting into a driver’s car, sit in the backseat.
You’re more protected in the backseat if there’s an accident. Plus, you’re less likely to get assaulted since you’re away from the driver. (Be sure to sit in the backseat behind the front passenger seat.)
6. Listen to Your Gut
When requesting a ride, always trust your intuition. If you ever feel unsafe, you should call 911. There’s also the option to select the Emergency Button in the rideshare app.
For example, selecting the Emergency Button on the Uber app shares all details with the police.
7. Don’t Tell the Driver Your Plans
Another way to ensure your safety is not to share your plans with the driver. If they ask what your plans are, be friendly but vague. If you disclose anything, mention that you’re meeting someone.
The last thing you should say is that you’re going home to an empty house. So, if you’re getting dropped off at a hotel or your home, they should know you won’t be alone.
Conclusion
In closing, it’s unlikely anything will happen to you during a rideshare experience. But if you don’t consider your safety, who will? In this type of situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Accidents happen, and you’ll feel good knowing you took the proper steps if one were to occur. If you or a friend experience an accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. They could offer guidance on how to handle the Lyft or Uber accident if you got injured.
Now that you know these safety tips pass them along to a friend. If they do ridesharing, they, too, should also know how to stay safe!
also read: https://newstimeusa.com/5-advantages-of-rooftop-tent-while-planning-out-a-camping/