Posted on 03/31/23
If you are a regular user of rideshare vehicles or even someone who only takes an Uber or Lyft occasionally, your safety is absolutely the priority. Of course, your personal safety begins with the steps that you take before and during an Uber or Lyft ride. Here, we want to outline some safety steps that you can follow to help ensure you get to and from your destinations smoothly.
Step 1: Verify the Driver and the Car
Before getting into the car, make sure to verify that the driver and car match the information in the app. Check the license plate number, car model, and driver photo. Ask the Uber or Lyft driver to confirm your name to ensure they are the correct driver for your ride. If anything seems off or suspicious, cancel the ride and request a new one. There have been deaths involved with people getting into vehicles they thought were their rideshare. Ensuring the status and identity of your driver is one of the best steps you can take when using rideshare services.
Step 2: Sit in the Back Seat
Sitting in the back seat gives you more space and puts distance between you and the driver, which can help you feel more secure. It also makes it harder for the driver to reach over and touch you or block the car doors. Most drivers expect you to get into the back seat. If a driver insists that you sit in the front, go ahead and cancel the ride and request a new one.
Step 3: Share Your Trip Details
Both Uber and Lyft have a feature that allows you to share your trip details with a friend or family member. This feature lets your loved ones track your ride and know your estimated time of arrival. It can also serve as a deterrent to any potential wrongdoers. Let some friends know that you may be regularly sending status updates when you use rideshare services.
Step 4: Wear Your Seatbelt
Just like in any other vehicle, wearing a seatbelt is crucial for your safety in a ride-sharing car. Make sure to buckle up as soon as you get in the car and encourage your driver to do the same. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for individuals to get into rideshare vehicles and ignore common safety steps that they would take in their own vehicles. Rideshare accidents do occur, and they occur regularly. Wearing a seat belt is the best in-vehicle safety feature for you.
Step 5: Trust Your Instincts
If anything feels wrong or unsafe during your ride, trust your instincts and speak up. Ask the driver to pull over at a safe and well-lit location. Get out of the car if necessary. Also, report any incidents or concerns to the ride-sharing company immediately.
Working With an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, we encourage you to reach out to a skilled rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. These claims can become very challenging, particularly when working to determine liability and figuring out which party will pay compensation. Your lawyer can handle this process on your behalf.