Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a part of daily life for millions of people, offering a convenient way to get from one place to another. While these services are generally safe, understanding how to protect yourself is crucial. By following a few simple guidelines, you can significantly enhance your personal security.
These 9 Uber safety tips are designed to give you peace of mind and help you take control of your ride.
This guide will cover what you need to know to stay safe, from the moment you request a ride to when you reach your destination.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Georgia, contact our personal injury firm for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and discuss your case.
Understanding Rideshare Safety Basics
Before we get into the tips, it's important to understand a few basics. The vast majority of rideshare trips happen without any issues.
Both Uber and Lyft have implemented technology and policies designed to protect riders and drivers, including GPS tracking, background checks, and in-app emergency buttons.
However, no system is foolproof. Your personal awareness and proactive steps are your best lines of defense.
Is Uber or Lyft safer?
When it comes to safety, both Uber and Lyft have similar policies and features. They both conduct background checks on drivers and offer in-app tools like trip sharing and emergency assistance.
According to some safety reports, Uber has a lower motor vehicle fatality rate per mile traveled than Lyft, though Lyft reports fewer total incidents overall.
However, these statistics can be complex and change frequently. The most important factor in your safety is not which app you use, but how you use it.
1. Verify the Driver and Vehicle
This is the most critical step you can take. Before you get into any vehicle, make sure it matches the one in your app.
- Match the license plate: Don't just look for the make and model. Check the license plate number to make sure it is an exact match.
- Match the car make and model: Is the car a silver Honda Civic, as shown in the app? Or is it a different car?
- Match the driver's photo: Check the Driver Profile in the app. If the person behind the wheel doesn't match the picture, do not get in the car.
If the information doesn't line up, cancel the ride and report it to the support team. It's better to be late than to be unsafe.
2. Confirm Your Name
After you have verified the vehicle and driver, ask the driver to confirm your name. A legitimate driver will be able to confirm your name, as it appears in their app.
This is an essential step to prevent a dangerous scenario where an imposter might pretend to be your driver, especially if you are waiting in a high-traffic area or a loading zone.
3. Wait in a Safe Location
Request your ride from a secure and well-lit area. Waiting outside a restaurant, a store, or with a group of friends is much safer than standing alone on a dark street corner.
By requesting a ride from inside, you can wait comfortably until the app shows your driver has arrived, then step outside to meet them.
4. Share Your Trip
Both Uber and Lyft have a "share your trip" feature. This allows you to share your trip details with your Trusted Contacts, a friend or family member, so they can track your journey in real time.
They can see your location, the driver's name, the vehicle information, and your estimated time of arrival. This is an essential safety net, especially for late-night rides or trips to an unfamiliar area.
5. Sit in the Back Seat
Whenever possible, sit in the back seat on the passenger side. This gives you easier access to the door and provides a degree of separation from the driver.
It also gives you a clear view of the road ahead and allows you to use your phone discreetly to check the route.
6. Buckle Up Every Time
This seems like common sense, but it is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. A seat belt can save your life in a car crash.
No matter how short the trip is, always buckle up. This is a crucial element of driver safety that riders should always prioritize.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Your gut feeling is a powerful safety tool. If something feels off, the driver is acting strangely, the vehicle looks different than the picture, or the route seems incorrect, do not hesitate to end the trip.
Ask the driver to pull over in a safe, public place and get out. You can then call another rideshare or a taxi. It's always better to be safe than sorry. You can also use the in-app emergency button to connect with a live agent or law enforcement.
Learn More: How Much Will Uber Pay If You’re in an Accident?
8. Keep Personal Info Private
There is no need to give your driver any personal information beyond your name. Avoid sharing your home address, work address, phone number, or details about your personal life. If you are having a conversation, keep it general.
The app's privacy features are designed to protect your digital footprint, so don't give away information that could put you at risk.
9. Rate and Report Concerns
After your ride, take a moment to rate your driver and provide feedback. If a driver acted unprofessionally, drove recklessly, or made you feel uncomfortable, report it immediately.
Both Uber and Lyft have dedicated support teams that track this information. Your feedback helps them enforce their Community Guidelines and maintain a safer platform.
The Uber Safety Toolkit, which includes the emergency button and other helpful features, is a great resource to use during and after a trip.
Get Help On a Rideshare Lawsuit
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident or as a result of a driver's negligence, you may have legal options.
Rideshare companies carry commercial insurance policies that can provide compensation for injuries, medical bills, and other damages. However, dealing with their insurance companies can be complicated.
If you have been seriously injured, you might need to speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and options.