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(253) 272-5226Using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be a smart choice. It’s a way to avoid pestering friends for a 3 a.m. airport ride or a safe alternative after a night out.
With around 36% of Americans using these services, it’s easy to reserve a ride without much thought. But it’s important to remember that some risks do exist. While Uber and Lyft screen their drivers, incidents still happen. You may have heard of assaults, reckless drivers, or impersonators posing as legitimate rideshare drivers.
Here are 7 tips to keep in mind the next time you use a rideshare.
Never assume that the driver pulling up is yours. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide several ways to verify your driver’s identity. Make sure to do this before getting in the car. Sadly, there have been cases where victims were harmed after getting into a vehicle driven by someone impersonating a rideshare driver.
A New York Times article chronicled this trend, including the story of a 21-year-old college student who was murdered by someone pretending to be her Uber driver.
Always double-check the vehicle make and model, license plate number, and driver photo in the app. When a car pulls up, make sure everything matches before you open the door.
Side note, and somewhat related: Uber recently announced that they will be piloting a service in select cities where women passengers can request women drivers. While this feature isn’t available in Western Washington cities at the time of this post, it’s a development worth watching.
One of the benefits of rideshare apps is the ability to select a pickup location. Use this flexibility to choose a spot that keeps you safe.
Sometimes the app will suggest pickup zones designed for easy access in busy areas. These spots are often safer for both you and the driver. If it’s late at night, opt for a well-lit, public area, like the front of a grocery store.
If you’re being picked up at home, consider walking to a nearby public location instead, especially if you’re alone. Bottom line: choose a location where you feel comfortable and visible.
Unlike taxis, where sitting in the backseat is the norm, rideshare passengers often default to the front seat. But if you’re riding alone, the backseat is usually the safer option.
It puts a little distance between you and the driver, offers more privacy, and may allow you to exit more easily in an emergency. And of course, don’t forget to buckle up.
Both Uber and Lyft have built-in features that enable you to share your trip details with someone else. Take advantage of this! Letting a friend or family member track your whereabouts will give you added peace of mind.
While you’ll need to share some basic information to confirm your ride, avoid sharing more than necessary. Remember, your driver is also inviting a stranger into their personal space, so mutual respect and boundaries matter.
But small talk can sometimes drift into oversharing. Avoid revealing details about your job, travel plans, or personal life. If you enjoy conversation, stick to light topics like sports or the weather. Save the personal stories for friends. Or your therapist.
Both Uber and Lyft have in-app emergency features that allow you to call 911 quickly. Calling through the app also enables emergency services to access key data, like your GPS location and driver details.
This functionality can help first responders find you faster in an emergency. When you’ve been threatened or injured, even a few minutes can make a big difference.
This tip applies to any situation: listen to your gut. Maybe you’ve verified your driver, picked a safe location, and shared your trip, but something still feels off. That’s enough of a reason to cancel the ride.
In his book “The Gift of Fear,” author Gavin de Becker writes: “Intuition is the journey from A to Z without stopping at any other letter along the way. It is knowing without knowing why.”
Your brain can pick up on subtle cues that signal danger. If something feels wrong, you don’t need a reason to walk away. Trust your instincts.
We’re sharing these rideshare safety tips because we’ve represented clients who were injured while using Uber or Lyft. Unfortunately, accidents and misconduct do happen.
If you’ve been a victim, we encourage you to reach out. Keep in mind that the driver, and their company, will likely have legal representation. You deserve someone in your corner, too.
There’s no fee to find out if we can help. Call us at (253) 272-5226 or fill out the short contact form on our website.