2019 is set to be a big year for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, with more and more of us using these instead of other methods of public transport or driving ourselves. They’re fast, they’re cheap, they’re convenient – what else do you need?
It is important to bear a few specific safety pointers in mind to keep yourself safe before, during and after your journey, particularly if you are traveling in a new area, and in this article, we are going to look at a few of those tips.
1) Let someone else know you are traveling.
When traveling alone, especially at night, share your journey with friends or family, so they know exactly where you are. Send a picture of the registration plate to someone, or if you are using Uber, you can hit the ‘share my ETA’ button, or ‘send ETA’ on Lyft, and it will send a notification to the person you designate. They will then be able to follow your journey on GPS.
2) Keep your personal information to yourself
We are not saying sit in silence for your journey, but be mindful of what information you re sharing with your driver. Don’t give out your address or where you are staying, your phone number or how long you are traveling for, and it’s never a bad idea to let them think someone is expecting you at the other end of the journey!
3) Give feedback
While it doesn’t seem particularly relevant to safety, giving feedback after your journey can be the difference between keeping a lousy driver off the road and a good one on the road.
4) Wear your seatbelt
Just because someone else is driving, it doesn’t mean that you are completely immune to an accident. You should always buckle up – in fact, wearing your seatbelt can also improve your passenger rating on Uber. If you did happen to be in an accident when you are ridesharing, it is essential to find a great lawyer for legal advice.
5) Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
If you’re in an unfamiliar city or area, make sure to track your route on your own maps app to ensure the driver is following the correct course. Try to avoid using rideshares on an evening or night, but if you do need to, try to find out beforehand what businesses and stores are open along the route.
6) Confirm Your Driver and Car Before Getting In
Always confirm the license plate and the name of your driver before getting in – this information is clearly laid out in the app and your booking. As well as keeping you safe, it also prevents you from getting into someone else’s ride in a busy area like an airport. It’s also important to ask the driver the name of the passenger rather than say your name first.
7) Don’t pay cash
Uber and Lyft take money directly from your bank, and there is now the option to tip after the journey through the app, so there is no need to have your purse or wallet out during your ride.
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