As part of the UN’s Global Road Safety Week, ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are joining forces to help educate the public on ride sharing safety.
One thing all ride sharing services can agree on – the safety of riders and drivers is paramount. Hence the reason companies such as Uber and Lyft are constantly reviewing, tweaking and improving their built-in safety features. Most services ensure that drivers are pre-screened, empowering riders with the knowledge that they are being transported in quality, vetted vehicles by responsible drivers.
But there are also things that riders can do to ensure their safety. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time user, it’s important to follow these ride sharing safety tips (courtesy of Business Day Online):
Know your ride: Before you request a ride, take the time to review the safety features available in the app. Remember Uber rides can only be requested through the Uber app, so you should never accept street hail solicitations from those claiming to be with Uber.
When a requesting a ride, avoid spending unnecessary time outside alone with your phone in hand. It is best to wait indoors until the app shows the driver has arrived.
Know your driver: When a driver accepts your ride request, you will then be able to see the driver’s first name, a color photo, license plate number, type and color of the vehicle. You’ll be able to see this from within the app itself – on the map. Before getting into the vehicle, always make sure the information on the app matches and ask the driver to identify him or herself.
Sharing Trip Details: Uber’s technology allows for all trips to be tracked using GPS. While en route, you will be able to monitor your own trip using the app. You will also be able to share your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) with loved ones. This will help friends and family keep track of your trip – even if they don’t have the app.
In-app Help: The support system can be accessed by navigating to the “Help’’ section on the menu, which helps riders and driver-partners alike to communicate their concerns they might have during a trip and get an instant response.
Follow Intuition: When using any ride sharing service, you should trust your instincts and use your best judgment. Avoid sharing personal information with the driver. Finally, if you feel you are in an emergency situation, alert local authorities immediately.
Give Feedback: You should always give feedback on how your trip went. This helps improve the ride sharing experience for everyone, maintains a high level of service, and provides accountability.
Click on the links to learn more about Uber and Lyft ride sharing services. Each site features step-by-step instructions on how to sign-up and download the app for riders and how to become a driver.
Casey & Devoti is a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Partners Matt Casey and Matt Devoti are seasoned litigators with nearly 40 years of trial experience. They specialize in the following personal injury matters: car, truck and train accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation and wrongful death. Casey & Devoti proudly serves the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. Learn more about Casey & Devoti and its rich history of aggressively protecting clients’ rights at www.caseydevoti.com.
