Essential Rideshare Safety Tips: A Lawyer's Guide

Ridesharing has become an integral part of our lives, offering convenient and affordable transportation. But as with any service involving strangers, it’s important to prioritize your safety. In this blog post, you’ll learn important rideshare safety tips to help you feel secure during your rides. It’s easy to get comfortable hopping in and out of rideshares, so we’re going to discuss rideshare safety tips to help keep your guard up.

How To Verify Your Ride

This is the first of many rideshare safety tips you should always follow. When you request a ride, you get information about the driver and their car.

Always take a moment to compare this with what shows up in the app.

Make Sure It Matches The App

Double-check the license plate number, car model, and the driver’s photo. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

I actually saw this happen with a friend of mine. He ordered an Uber, and a completely different person in a different car showed up but used someone else’s Uber account to pick him up.

Ask Your Driver “What’s My Name?”

This simple question confirms they have the correct passenger. Ask this question in addition to using the pin feature, which keeps you safer because the driver can’t even start the trip if they don’t have the right person.

Staying Safe During The Ride

While you can’t predict everything, certain precautions can significantly enhance your safety. Remember that a rideshare driver is essentially a stranger, and you should treat them as such by following these important rideshare safety tips.

Share Your Trip Details With Friends or Family

Let someone know your whereabouts. Sharing your trip status with a trusted contact allows them to track your ride in real time.

This can be done easily through the app.

Be Mindful Of Your Conversations

While friendly small talk is fine, avoid sharing personal information like your home address. Protect your privacy by keeping conversations general.

Trust Your Gut.

If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable during a ride, always trust your instincts. You can ask the driver to pull over in a well-lit area.

If things escalate, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Additional Rideshare Safety Tips For Extra Precaution

This next batch of rideshare safety tips are extra measures you can take.

Consider Taking A Different Route

If it’s late at night, try to request rides from busier, well-lit areas. For example, sometimes it’s good to wait inside a store until you see your driver pull up rather than outside on a street corner.

Sit In The Backseat

Not only does this provide a sense of personal space, but it also offers an added layer of security if a situation arises.

Remember that ridesharing services often have safety features integrated into their apps. Take some time to explore what your particular rideshare app offers, whether it’s an emergency button or other options.

You can also review their summer safety tips, which you can then implement.

Ridesharing can be safe when you make conscious decisions. By integrating these rideshare safety tips into your routine, you are actively contributing to creating a safer environment for yourself and others.

FAQs about rideshare safety tips

What are the main safety issues people worry about when using rideshare apps?

Many concerns stem from the fact that you’re getting into a vehicle with a stranger. The most frequent anxieties revolve around driver verification – making sure the person picking you up is genuinely who the app says they are.

And then there are more serious concerns, such as potential for harassment, assault, or even theft. Reading reviews from other passengers and familiarizing yourself with the app’s safety tools can ease these fears somewhat.

What’s a non-obvious thing that could make my ride safer?

This goes beyond the usual advice. Consider how the design of your pickup spot can affect safety. Choose well-lit, publicly visible spots over dimly lit alleys or secluded doorways.

A well-lit spot allows for better visibility and may deter potential bad actors. This small detail, separate from anything within the app itself, can contribute to a safer pickup experience.

What if my usual safety routine isn’t enough, and I find myself in a situation during a ride that makes me nervous – what should I do in the moment?

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. First, try to discreetly share your live location with a trusted contact.

Second, engage in conversation that clearly establishes you’re in communication with someone else (“Yeah, I’m just texting my partner, letting them know I’m five minutes away.”). If you feel truly threatened, do not hesitate to call 911 and clearly state your location and situation.

Conclusion

While rideshare services have become part of everyday life, personal safety should never be compromised. Remember these rideshare safety tips the next time you call a rideshare, and always trust your instincts.

By remaining vigilant, we can enjoy the convenience of rideshares without sacrificing our peace of mind.