Important safety tips for using ride-hailing services
If you were involved in a car crash, you may be hesitant to get behind the wheel again. You may have injuries that prevent you from driving. You may have even lost your driver’s license for a time. Regardless of the reason you’re not driving, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can help you get where
If you were involved in a car crash, you may be hesitant to get behind the wheel again. You may have injuries that prevent you from driving. You may have even lost your driver’s license for a time. Regardless of the reason you’re not driving, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can help you get where you need to go.
Not much more than a decade ago, many of us couldn’t have imagined hopping in a stranger’s car. Now, millions of people use Uber and Lyft every day.
However, we’ve all read of rides going horribly wrong, with passengers becoming the victims of rapes, theft and kidnapping. In some cases, the perpetrators were masquerading as Uber or Lyft drivers or passengers got in a car they mistook for the ride they ordered.
Ride-hailing companies run background checks on applicants. They’ve also implemented a number of safety features and guidelines for passengers to help ensure their safety. It’s important to remember these every time you ride and not to become complacent. For example:
- Wait in a safe area (inside or outside) for your ride.
- If the driver doesn’t greet you by name, ask them for your name before you get in the car. You can just ask, “Who are you picking up?”
- Make sure the driver and car match the information on the app. The app will give you the license plate number, make and model and a photo of the driver.
- Share your trip status with a friend or family member. Both Uber and Lyft apps allow you to do that.
- Make a phone call to someone (even if you get their voicemail). Say that you’re in an Uber or Lyft and what time you expect to arrive. Don’t just text it. You want the driver to hear you.
- Sit in the back seat on the right side. This lets you watch the driver and the road and gives you an fast exit if you need it.
Of course, safety is important. Make sure that you buckle your seat belt. The driver’s probably anxious to get moving, but make sure they wait until you’re fastened in. If you’re not comfortable with how they’re driving, end the ride and report the issue to the company.
If you’re recovering from injuries you suffered in a crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, make sure you see the compensation you need.