Take these precautions while using ridesharing

At least 36% of Americans used Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services in 2019 compared to 18% of passengers who used these services in 2015. In many situations, such as being too drunk to drive, using a rideshare is a safer option. But riders should take precautions if they use these services.

Statistics

Most rideshare trips, 99% for Uber and Lyft trips occurring between 2017 and 2019, occurred without reports of critical safety issues. Riders, however, should take precautions while using rideshare services against the risks of motor vehicle accidents and other dangers.

Rideshare apps allow users to call a vehicle that transports them to a specific destination with a few clicks. Only 3% of Americans were unaware of ridesharing services.

There were 20 fatalities and 3,824 sexual assaults reported on Uber trips in 2019 and 2020, according to the Uber U.S. Safety Report. From 2017 to 2019, according to the Lyft Community Safety Report, Lyft had 10 reports of physical assaults that ended in death and 1,096 sexual assault reports.

Rider precautions

Passengers can take precautions to help increase their safety while using these services:

• Stay indoors while requesting and waiting for your ride, especially during the evening.

• Confirming rides by using the PIN verification service, which makes drivers enter their current PIN before starting the trip.

• Verifying the vehicle’s license plate number before entering the vehicle.

• Wearing and securing your seatbelt and sitting in the vehicle’s backseat.

• Sharing your travel plans with friends and family through the app by letting them know that you are taking a specific ridesharing service, your estimated arrival time and other trip details.

• Letting your driver know that you shared your trip details with other people to discourage them from engaging in any unlawful or dangerous activity.

• Having a plan and signal for yourself, friends and family members to quickly communicate and get yourself out of any possibly unsafe situation.

• Trusting your instincts and, if you feel unsafe, asking the driver to pull over and ending the ride. The Uber app may also be used for assistance.

Precautions for drivers

Drivers can also help protect themselves by taking these steps:

• Preparing a written plan for each passenger concerning possible problems and how to deal with them.

• Using Uber and Lyft passenger ratings before deciding on accepting a fare. Rating below 4.6 are considered low.

• Providing ratings on passengers who misbehave or make you uncomfortable to warn other rideshare drivers.

• If a passenger is making you feel uncomfortable, end the ride by pulling over to a safe and populated location.

• Paying attention to your passengers and how they act to help get out of an unsafe situation.

• Obtaining rideshare insurance because most personal car insurance policies do not cover vehicles used for business purposes.

Attorneys can help vehicle accident victims seek compensation for their injuries. They can assist them with gathering evidence and representing their interest in court or settlement negotiations.