The use of ridesharing services has significantly grown over the past few years. Many popular services, such as Uber, Lyft, or Cabify, allow users to easily book a ride to their desired destination. However, one should always be cautious with their ride. In this article we’ve compiled many passenger safety tips for ridesharing to help ensure a better experience:
Avoid traveling alone
It’s better to have someone else with you, especially late at night. Not only does this help bring a sense of safety while you travel, but you can also divide the cost among all those who share the ride with you.
In times when you can’t take someone with you, be sure to make use of your ride-sharing application. Almost all apps allow you to share your journey with someone else. Both Uber and Lyft have an option to text your information to someone so they can see live where you are at all times. Keep an eye on that option while you travel and let a friend or family member know where you're headed and when you arrive.
Always rate your ride
Don’t forget to leave feedback after you’re done with your ride. The feedback you give may not be publicly visible to everyone but your rating for the driver helps others learn about a driver’s level of trustworthiness. Lyft states that they take "all user ratings and driver feedback very seriously," and that if you give three or fewer stars to a driver, you'll never be matched again.
Never share personal information
It’s always nice to have a conversation with your driver while you take a ride with them. Not only does it make the ride a little more enjoyable but it also allows you to learn a little bit about your driver. However, avoid sharing any personal information with them, especially if they’re the ones asking for it.
Don’t request your ride out in the open
We find a lot of people requesting a ride while they’re standing somewhere outside. Book your ride while you’re indoors. Wait for your driver to arrive, and when you have confirmed that it actually is your ride, hop in and travel to your destination.
Confirm your ride
Once your ride is booked, take the opportunity to see their rating, the car they're driving, and even the license plate number of the vehicle. Be sure to check that the information displayed in the app matches the car that arrives.
Have the driver ask your name
Even when you’ve confirmed that the model, color, and license plate match with the vehicle information in your app, it’s important to have the driver confirm your name. You should also ask for their name as you open the door. Introduce yourselves, not only for safety reasons, but to also decrease any initial awkwardness.
Take the backseat
Sit in the backseat when you’re ridesharing. You can’t trust everyone and sitting in the back gives you extra time to get out should anything unexpected happen. Besides, it might feel uncomfortable to be in the front seat with a driver you know nothing about.
Buckle your seat belt
This safety tip applies to drivers and passengers alike. Always wear your seat belt. Accidents happen unexpectedly and you could avoid potentially serious or fatal injuries wearing your seat belt. Even if your driver isn’t wearing one, be sure to buckle yours. Leave a comment in your review informing future passengers that your driver doesn’t wear a seat belt.
Judge by the ratings
All ridesharing applications have a rating system for their drivers. When you book a ride, be sure to check their ratings. Be wary of any rating that is below 4 stars.
Always be aware of your surroundings
This is one of the most important ridesharing safety tips for passengers. When you’re in your neighborhood, it's easy to take your surroundings for granted. However, if you enter an unfamiliar area, consider paying more attention to your surroundings. Keep track of your location and route to make sure your driver is taking you in the right direction to your destination.
Don’t pay with cash
Both Uber and Lyft have an embedded system to automatically charge your credit card or Paypal account when you arrive at your destination. Be wary of any driver who asks you to pay in cash, even if it’s only the tip. You can add it at the end of your ride by using the app.
Be kind to your driver
Some drivers are more sociable and enjoy engaging in a conversation during the commute, while others prefer to remain quiet. Either way, be respectful to your driver and expect the same from them. Ridesharing companies have a set of community guidelines that drivers (and passengers) must follow. Report your driver if they are being rude to you or doing things you consider inappropriate.
Follow your intuition
If your driver’s behavior ever makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if something simply doesn’t feel right, trust your intuition and dial 911. Uber and Lyft have in-app panic buttons in case the passenger feels unsafe, and they also offer a feature where passengers can share their location and ride status with family members within the apps. If you feel like you’re at severe risk, get out of the ride as soon as it’s safe and call for help.
These are some of the most important passenger safety tips for ride-sharing. Follow them to ensure a more comfortable experience as a passenger.