Safety Tips for Riding in an Uber or Lyft
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft have gained popularity over the past decade or so as they offer a convenient, cost-effective alternative to traditional taxi services. While there are many benefits to using rideshare services such as after a night out drinking or a late ride home from the airport, it’s important to remember that you are still getting into a car with a stranger.
Here are five safety tips to keep in mind when using Uber or Lyft for transportation.
Verify the driver and car before getting in
One of the most important safety measures you can take is to ensure that you’re getting into the correct car with the right driver. The apps provide you with a photo of your driver as well as the information of the make, model, and license plate number of the car picking you up. Use this information to verify the car and driver’s identity. If anything does not match, or something feels off, don’t get in the car and contact customer support.
Share your trip details with someone you trust
It’s always a good idea to let someone know when and where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Both Uber and Lyft have a feature that allows you to send a link and share your trip details and location with someone. This will give whoever you share with access to your approximate location along your journey. Additionally, both Apple and Android phones have features that allow you to share your location. Enabling this feature gives you an added level of protection should the app glitch or something happens after the driver ends the ride in the app.
Trust your instincts
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point during your trip, don’t hesitate to speak up or take action. Assess the situation carefully, if you’re in a situation where speaking up may escalate things or you already feel threatened, you can use the “safety” feature in the Uber or Lyft app to alert authorities and get help. Both Lyft and Uber apps allow you to discreetly contact ADT security via text, and the Uber app also allows you to send a text directly to 911 that has all your rideshare information pre-populated.
Don’t share personal information with the driver
It’s common to have a casual, friendly conversation with your rideshare driver, but it’s important you don’t share any personal information with them. Things like telling them you will be home alone or that you live alone, where you work, or other personal facts of that nature aren’t the best idea. It’s important to be polite and maintain a professional relationship with your rideshare driver.
Wear your seatbelt
This is important anytime you get in a car, but especially in a rideshare. You don’t know how your driver drives, or if they will put you at risk of being in an accident. Wearing your seatbelt can keep you from being ejected from the car in case of a serious accident and potentially save your life.
Overall, when using a rideshare service you should always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. By following these safety tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable ride.