Rideshare safety is paramount when traveling, especially when using ride-share or taxi transport to get to your destination. While the prevalence of apps for catching a ride has made this option more viable for most people, it can also come with increased risks and dangers.
However, there are some ways you can make yourself safe, especially when you’re alone, feeling vulnerable, or in a new place. For example, you can protect yourself when you’re traveling with unknown persons or drivers.
Five Ridesharing Safety Tips:
1. Switch Location On
When in doubt, empower yourself by activating your location tracking services and sharing your whereabouts with a trusted person. This proactive step, taken before accepting the ride, adds an extra layer of safety. By informing a loved one of your plans, allowing them to track you, and updating them on your expected arrival time, you’re taking control of your safety and ensuring help is on hand if needed.
2. Take Pictures
Rideshare safety also includes recording video content if you can or feel safe doing so. This can provide you with evidence should you need it in the event of any wrongdoing by the driver or inappropriate behavior, taking unauthorized routes, or if you’re in an accident, whether it was their fault or not. The more evidence you have, even if you no longer end up needing it, the safer you can feel. Plus, should anything bad happen to you, such as an accident, your uber accident lawyer can use what you collected to help your case.
3. Travel In The Back
Rideshare safety includes always opting for backseat travel when accepting lifts from people, whether in an official taxi, ride-share option, or just a family member or friend. The reason being is that if there is an issue, you can exit the vehicle using the non-traffic side, which can help you get to safety. Of course, there may be times when this isn’t possible, however, when you can, always choose the backseat; the driver will most likely appreciate this too.
4. Trust Your Instincts
Your instincts are there for a reason; they are designed to keep you safe. If anything makes you feel uneasy about the situation, or you sense something isn’t quite right, trust your gut reaction and don’t get in. Even if this means delaying your plans. While you might not always be correct, you won’t feel comfortable getting into a car with someone if your whole body is telling you not to. As the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Monitor Your Route
Rideshare safety is especially important if you’re in a new area you’re unfamiliar with. Looking out of the window, getting a feel for where you are, and the activity level on the streets can be of vital importance should you need to track your movements or give third parties directions to where you are. No one gets a ride thinking they need to get themselves out of danger, but sadly, this is an all too frequent occurrence for multiple reasons. So, staying aware of where you are and your surroundings will help you out in the event of things going wrong.
