While there are millions of people who take uneventful rides on Uber and Lyft on a regular basis. It is not unheard of accidents and crimes that took place due to these ridesharing apps. We never really think that it could be us, but it is always a good idea to take some precautions.
Here are some safety precautions for ridesharing apps that you should always keep in mind.
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Call the Ride in a Safe Place
Always make sure that your pickup point is somewhere that has at least a little bit of a crowd, but not so much that it becomes difficult for the driver to find you. If you’re traveling during nighttime, wait in a well-lit area that is comfortable for you.
It is also a good idea to be picked up or dropped off a block or two before your house. Because it is never a good idea to share your exact address with a complete stranger.
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Verify your Ride and Driver
At least two dozen reported attacks have taken place in the last few years due to people getting into the wrong cab by mistakenly assuming it is their ride. These attacks include mugging, sexual assault, and even an infamous murder.
All of these could have been avoided if the person had verified the model and the license plate of the car, and checked if the driver’s photo on the app matched the driver. Another tip is to ask the driver to confirm your name before getting into the car, since your first name is visible to them on their app.
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Always Ride in the Backseat
If you are riding alone, always sit in the backseat of the car, preferably on the passenger side. By doing so you ensure that you can safely get out of either side of the car, and also give personal space to yourself as well as your driver.
If you are asked by the driver to sit on the front seat, it is better that you avoid getting into the cab altogether. Since this is considered to be a huge red flag, even by the drivers themselves.
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Share Your Ride Details
These apps have an option which allows you to share your live location with a trusted contact. All you have to do is click “Share Trip Status” on the Uber app, or “Share Route” on Lyft, and pick a friend so they could know where you are in real time.
Another thing you can do make a phone call as soon as you get into the car, informing them about you ride and driver details and that you will be reaching your destination at an estimated time. This almost puts the responsibility on your driver to get you there one time, because they know they’ll be in danger if you don’t make it safely.
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Don’t be Afraid to Get Off
Even after taking all the possible precautions, you can’t be 100% sure that nothing will go wrong. So if you see any red flags, or something feels off about the driver or the car, end the ride. You can ask your driver to pull over because some emergency came up, or change you drop off location to a nearby point.
If they don’t comply, call 911 immediately. Uber also offer an in-app emergency button that you can use in such situations. Remember that your safety is more important than anything else.
Uber and Lyft Accidents | Attorney Javier Marcos
If you or someone you know was involved in an Uber and Lyft accident, call Attorney Javier Marcos for help. Whether you are a passenger or where driving the car with Uber and Lyft, you have rights. Attorney Javier Javier Marcos is open 24 hrs. We go to you, there is no payment unless we win, consultation is always free and we all speak Spanish. Call 24 hrs at 713.999.4444.
Espanol:
https://www.abogadojaviermarcos.com/abogado-de-uber-y-lyft-espanol/
