The holiday season is finally here, and so is the busy travel, party, and shopping season. During this time of year, many people opt to use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft to make getting to and from their destinations easier and safer. However, as we all know, accidents, fraud, scams, and crimes skyrocket during the holiday season. While it is always best to stay vigilant, it is especially important this time of year.
Here are 10 tips for holiday ridesharing safety:
- Wait for your ride in a safe place. Ridesharing apps allow you to track the location of your driver before his or her arrival. Once they arrive, you have five minutes to meet them giving you plenty of time to get to the vehicle if your pickup location does not appear to be the safest.
- Order a ride before exiting the building. Do not wait until you are outside and alone to request a ride.
- Before getting into the vehicle, ask the driver to confirm your name. Getting into the wrong car with a fraudulent driver is dangerous and can have devastating consequences. Ensure that the driver knows your name and where you are headed before getting inside their vehicle.
- Verify the car and driver. Unfortunately, phony ridesharing drivers do exist. Ridesharing apps will give you the type of car, plate number, and driver’s information. Be sure to check this information so you do not get into a fake Uber or Lyft.
- Share your ride activity with family or friends. Ridesharing apps have trip sharing features that provide live updates to family and friends. If the driver veers off course, the person you share your ride information with will be able to track your location.
- Follow the route. The app finds the best route for the driver to take. Follow along and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Choose your seat wisely. Each ride is different, but Uber suggests that, when possible, you sit in the backseat on the passenger side. This allows you to keep your eyes on the driver and on the road. It also gives you access to an exit if the need should arise.
- Make sure the driver is following the rules of the road. Many drivers are in a hurry and can easily get distracted causing an accident. If they are doing something that makes you uncomfortable or jeopardizes your safety like using their phone, tell them.
- Do not share personal information. Never give the driver your phone number, address, or social media handles. All necessary personal information is provided securely through the app.
- Know what to do after an accident. First and foremost, make sure that no one is seriously injured. Then, notify the police of the accident and also notify the ridesharing service as soon as possible with the details of the incident.
Taking the necessary precautions can ensure that you can sit back, enjoy the ride, and get back to your holiday festivities safely. If you have been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, contact Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. at 305-662-6178 or contacting us here.
References:
14 Safety Tips for Uber and Lyft Riders. (2019, August 30). Retrieved September 30, 2019, from https://safety.com/rideshare-safety-tips.
Writer, S. F. S. (2019, May 16). Benefits and safety tips for Uber and Lyft – State Farm®. Retrieved September 30, 2019, from https://statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/are-uber-and-lyft-safe.
