Rideshare Safety Tips
Checklists are useful tools to ensure that tasks have been completed. They can be used for both personal and professional purposes.
Rideshare drivers may be chatty, but it’s important to keep your personal information private. You should also be aware of the vehicle you are riding in.
Always verify the vehicle specifics on your app before getting in. This includes the make, model and license plate number.
Don’t wait outside
Many rideshare companies have safety guidelines for both drivers and passengers. However, these tips can only go so far in keeping you safe.
If possible, request your ride from inside a public building rather than outside in the dark. This will minimize the time you spend standing alone with your phone in your hand, making yourself vulnerable to potential threats.
If you must wait outside, make sure to do so in a busy, well-lit area and always check your driver’s rating. Uber and Lyft allow you to view this information before requesting a ride, and they may deactivate drivers with low ratings. Also, share your trip with a trusted friend or family member so that they can keep tabs on you and call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Don’t give out any personal information
The app automatically anonymizes rider and driver information so there is no need to share personal details with your driver. It’s fine to exchange pleasantries but avoid sharing information about where you are going, your schedule, or anything else that could be used against you.
It is also best to request rides while indoors if possible and not in a dark or remote area that could draw unwanted attention. In addition, it is important to only use GPS directions and not provide your driver with any other information to keep them on the correct route.
Most rideshare apps have a “share status” or “send ETA” option to let you share your driver name, photo, license plate and location with friends or family. This way, a friend can track your trip and help you if necessary.
Sit in the backseat
When you get in a rideshare vehicle, it is common to hop into the back seat and sit diagonal from the driver. This creates a safe space for riders to exit the vehicle on either side and provides distance between the driver and passenger.
Before you get in the vehicle, it is also a good idea to have the driver confirm your name. This prevents a stranger from picking you up and using your ride request to fraudulently commit crimes.
You can even have a group of loved ones designated as “guardians” on the app to monitor your location, track your trip on a map, and call you if anything seems off. These features help keep you in touch with your friends and family while riding on a rideshare.
Always wear your seat belt
Having your seat belt on is an important part of rideshare safety. It will protect you in case of an accident and ensure that you’re buckled in correctly. It’s also a good idea to have your phone on hand, so that you can check in with loved ones during the trip.
Lastly, if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during your rideshare, contact the company. Most companies will investigate the situation and take appropriate action, including terminating a driver’s account.
In addition to the tips above, rideshare users should use apps like bSafe or Noonlight, which allow you to designate a group of trusted friends as “guardians” who can see your GPS location on a map and share audio and video during the trip.
Check the vehicle’s license plate
When riding a rideshare, always check the vehicle’s license plate. This will ensure the car you get into matches what was described in the app. This is particularly important for busy areas where cars look alike and can be hard to distinguish based on make, color, or model.
Both Uber and Lyft provide information about the driver, their car, and the license plate number of the vehicle before the ride starts. This is a great way to avoid getting into an unsafe or unclean vehicle.
It is also a good idea to share your trip with a friend or family member so they can track your progress and know when you are arriving at your destination. This will allow them to contact you if there are any safety concerns and give you peace of mind.
