Rideshares have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. The combination of rising gas prices and attempts to save the environment make Ubers and Lyfts the perfect solution.

The companies that offer ridesharing work hard to make their services as safe as possible. There are apps that passengers use to verify their drivers and send their location links to friends. The companies themselves run strict background checks on potential drivers before they’re hired.

No matter how many measures are put into place, it’s impossible to safeguard any vehicle completely. Accidents happen in personal cars, corporate travel, and rideshares.

But you do have some control over how safe your rideshare visit is. To do your part to prevent an accident, use these tips the next time you’re in an Uber or Lyft.

1. Research the Vehicle and Driver

The rideshare companies have already vetted the drivers, but that’s not always a thorough way to review their personalities. Check the feedback from other people’s experiences before you agree to get in the car with any driver.

If the feedback is sketchy, and they’re the “only” option, consider using another company that may have more availability.

Never get in the car without verifying the driver matches the photo in the company profile. Look at the license plate number and the make and model of the vehicle, too. As long as everything lines up, you can be sure you’re getting in the correct rideshare.

2. Follow Normal Car Safety

We all know there’s a big debate on whether you need to wear a seatbelt in the back of a car. Since you don’t know the driver, the answer to this argument should be to always put the seatbelt on in a rideshare.

As a passenger, you should never distract the driver. It’s normal to strike up conversations, but try not to engage in anything too intensive. If you’re with another passenger, avoid heated arguments, shouting, or moving around in the car.

A lot of people want to play music in their rideshare. This is also considered a distraction, especially if it’s loud. Your driver may have the radio on, and that’s fine. If they’re blasting it and rocking out to the music, ask them to turn it down and focus. It’s your safety; don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.

3. Stay Sober

Drivers aren’t the only reason alcohol causes accidents. If you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft under the influence, you can be a distraction without realizing it.

Staying sober is also essential for your own safety. When you’re not operating at your top capacity, you can forget to verify the license plate and profile of your driver. You may get in the wrong car or end up in situations that put you in danger.

However, if you’re calling a rideshare because you’re under the influence, let a friend or family member know when you leave and where you’re going. It’s safer than driving when you’re intoxicated, but it’s still dangerous to handle the situation by yourself.

4. Maximize the Report Features

You’ll see lots of minor complaints on almost every driver’s profile. It isn’t easy to please everyone. Some drivers can have an occasional attitude, take a wrong turn, or otherwise offend their riders.

These minor problems are a nuisance but not something that interferes with the safety of a passenger.

On the other hand, significant issues like drivers who are obviously using drugs or drinking before getting behind the wheel should be reported. By the time you notice their inebriation, you may already be in the car.

If you can safely do so, ask the driver to pull over and let you out. Don’t argue about the fare. Pay the full amount if possible and let Uber or Lyft reimburse you later.

Call for a new car to pick you up from your current location and report the previous driver immediately. They could continue to pick up passengers right after you and end up in an accident.

Conclusion

Yes, it would help if you were always concerned about your safety, especially when you’re riding with a stranger.

However, with 93 million people using Uber alone every month, very few of these end in accidents. It’s statistically sound to say that you can count on getting to your destination unharmed in a rideshare. These safety tips increase your chances even more.

Shift Frequency © 2021 – Ways to Prevent an Accident
While Riding in an Uber or Lyft Car