Users of Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service need to keep these safety tips in mind while traveling in new places or even around their hometown.
You can find some of these tips on Uber’s website, but the list still lacks other important rider safety tips. So here’s what you should do to avoid the rideshare-related dangerous situations and stay safe before, during, and after your ride.
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#10 – Share Your Trip with Others
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You should always share your trip with other people when you’re traveling alone, particularly at night. This is the best way to allow someone (friend, spouse, or relative) to track your ride and know where you are in case anything happens on the road.
The person you choose to share your trip’s information with will receive a notification to follow your ride through GPS. To do this, simply activate the “Send ETA” option with Lyft and “Share My ETA” with Uber.
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#9 – Give Post-trip Feedback
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Many people often skip this important part of rideshare safety, but you should never overlook giving your personal feedback if you know what’s good for you.
As soon as your ride is complete, make sure to rate the driver and preferably leave a comment so you can help keep bad drivers off the road and also ensure everyone’s safety.
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#8 – Do Not Reveal Your Personal Information
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When using a rideshare service, it’s only natural to talk about the weather or exchange a few pleasantries with your driver.
This totally harmless but don’t let your tongue slip, revealing any personal information, such as your phone number (or other contact information), where you live, your daily routine, or how long you’re traveling for…
Your personal Info should stay confidential. You cannot just trust anyone.
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#7 – Request Your Ride while at Home
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Whenever possible, avoid requesting your ride outdoors and do so safely at home. Staying outside for a long period of time with your phone out can put you at risk of attracting pickpockets or thieves.
It only takes a few minutes to request a ride and it’s better done in the comfort and safety of your own home.
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#6 – Confirm Your Driver and Car
BEFORE You Get In
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Never forget to confirm the name and license plate (which are clearly presented in the app) of your driver before you get in the car, there are actually some reported cases of scammers pretending to be rideshare drivers.
In case you’re getting picked up in a public area, say an airport, confirming these pieces of information will help you avoid taking another person’s ride by accident.
To avoid mistakes and stay safe, it’s best to ask your driver for the name of the passenger before getting in rather than saying your name first.
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#5 – Wear Your Seatbelt
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Riding in the back seat or being in someone else’s car doesn’t actually make you any safer from a potential accident. Your driver actually appreciates it when you buckle up.
Actually, if you take a look at Uber’s description of ‘Your Rating”, you’ll find that wearing your seatbelt helps your passenger rating. Also, your personal safety must always come first.
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#4 – Sit in the Back Seat
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Always pick the back seat when you’re traveling alone. Dave Sutton, the spokesperson for the public safety campaign Who’s Driving You?
reports that the majority of the incidents that the association has seen have actually happened to passengers riding up front. We all agree that the back seat is more comfortable anyway.
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#3 – Check Your Driver’s Rating
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Always make sure to check that your driver has a rating of at least 4.5 as well as prior experience. Although both Lyft and Uber monitor the drivers’ ratings, it’s only wise to be extra cautious.
In fact, not meeting these criteria can get drivers fired or deactivated from Uber.
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#2 – Never Pay Cash
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You’re never supposed to pay for your ride in cash and the driver should never ask you to make your payment this way. Recently, Uber and Lyft have included the option to tip your driver after your trip. So you don’t have to open or even expose your wallet during a rideshare trip.
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#1 – Know Your Surroundings
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If you’re traveling somewhere new or in an unfamiliar area, you should always track the route using your maps app to make sure the driver is going the right way.
In case you’re getting lifted from the airport, make sure to follow the indicated instructions when you open Lyft or Uber app.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid calling rideshares late at night if you’re alone, also, be extra cautious when you’re getting picked up at a restaurant or bar.
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