Ridesharing apps have become widespread across practically the entirety of the United States, offering convenient and affordable transportation for those in need of a quick ride.
However, while ridesharing apps are becoming increasingly normalized, it’s vital to take steps to ensure your safety while in any stranger’s car.
In this article, we discuss some steps you can take to ensure you have a smooth, safe experience on your next trip. If an incident or rideshare accident occurs, be sure to seek medical assistance and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Article Contents
What Dangers Are Commonly Faced by Rideshare Passengers?
One of the biggest problems facing rideshare passengers is driver behavior. Some rideshare drivers may drive aggressively, such as by speeding or making unsafe lane changes.
Other drivers may fail to follow traffic laws, such as running red lights or failing to yield to pedestrians.
In more rare cases, drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making them unable to safely control their vehicle.
Any of these situations can be scary and potentially cause a rider to suffer serious injuries.
Beyond driver behavior, there’s also a chance that a passenger will be robbed or subjected to physical violence.
These incidents are fortunately fairly rare, but the risk is inherent to riding in a stranger’s vehicle.
As a rideshare passenger, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to enhance your safety.
It is generally recommended to sit in the backseat of the rideshare vehicle and avoid traveling with large sums of cash or visible valuables. If you feel unsafe at any point during your trip, call 911 for assistance.
What Are Some Vital Pre-Ride Steps to Take?
Even before you step outside your home, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you are as safe as possible.
Before getting into someone’s car, check that they are actually your driver. You can do this by verifying their identity and vehicle information, making sure that those details align with what is in your app.
Double-check the driver’s photo, name, and license plate number to ensure they match what you see on your screen.
Verify that the car’s make, model, and color also match what you see in your app to ensure you don’t get into the wrong vehicle. Believe it or not, people may pretend to be a rideshare driver to swindle people out of money or harm them!
As an additional layer of security, consider sharing your trip details with a trusted friend or family member.
Most rideshare apps allow you to share your location in real-time, allowing an attentive third-party to see if you go off-route or fail to arrive at your destination.
You can also provide your trusted friend or family member with your driver’s name, vehicle license plate, and estimated arrival time.
Tips For Staying Safe During Your Ride
At all times, stay aware of what is happening around you when you’re in a stranger’s car. Keep an eye on the route planned in your phone’s map to make sure your driver does not deviate from the planned trip.
Trust in your instincts and speak up if you feel like something is off. A direct but polite approach can often de-escalate a situation.
Major ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft include safety features for riders and drivers alike. Be sure to check out how emergency features work before calling a ride, so you can use them if needed.
Depending on the app you’re using, you may be able to share trip details with a third party, report safety concerns to the rideshare company, or contact emergency services directly for assistance.
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable for any reason, take immediate action to ensure your own safety.
If you feel safe enough to speak with the driver directly, you can ask them to pull over at a safe, well-lit public location.
Do not initiate contact if you feel unsafe doing so. Use the rideshare app to contact local authorities or call the police directly for help.
How Can Dangerous Situations Be Reported to Prevent Further Issues?
If you experience anything that makes you feel unsafe during a ride, be sure to report it.
Most apps have reporting features that allow you to explain in detail what happened. If a criminal act was performed, you may consider filing a police report as well.
At all times, be sure to prioritize your safe riding experience when using any rideshare app.
By staying aware, making sure you know what in-app safety features are available, and keeping informed of potential scams, you can ensure you have the most safe and efficient experience possible. If you feel unsafe at any time, don’t hesitate to get assistance right away.
