Important Safety Measures During Rideshare With Strangers

Important Safety Measures During Rideshare With Strangers

Most people use rideshare services to travel to different destinations. However, the seemingly safe mode of transport has become a cause of concern in the recent past. There have been cases of violence and travellers getting kidnapped and taken to secluded locations. Other issues, like car accidents, are also common. Luckily, if you incur injuries resulting from car crashes, you can always contact an accident attorney in Philadelphia to guide you in the legal action process. Your safety is also critical, and there are steps you can take to enhance your security.

Here are useful tips:

Check the car and driver before boarding

There are several cases of scammers purporting to be rideshare drivers, so confirm the car detail like the model, colour and identify the car license plate. Also, verify the driver by requesting them to confirm your name. Check the driver’s rating and only accept rides from ones with a rating that you’re comfortable with.

Use the back seat

Riding in the front seat can expose you to assault, groping and other unwanted behaviors. But, the rear seat gives you some distance from the driver and makes it easier if you to exit in case of an incident. No matter your seat, fasten your seatbelt.

Also, consider sitting on the seat behind the passenger seat, it enables you to have a full view of the driver and everything going on in the vehicle. In the case of distractions, stay alert to your surroundings either in or outside the car. Also, think of ways on how you can quickly get out and keep your phone nearby to use the emergency features if need be.

Give feedback

Sharing experiences is normally overlooked by many but is an important aspect of rideshare safety. After the trip, rate the driver and give useful feedback, this will keep good ones on the job and keep bad ones off. If you endure a bad experience, share it though the right channels. Rideshare business models love it when travelers feel secure when in a stranger’s car. They are also very responsive to feedback.

Avoid giving personal details

While sharing a car with others, you’re likely to meet a talkative driver and can easily engage in a chit-chat. However, it’s not wise to share personal information like your contacts, where you live, how long your travel is or daily routine that can give others much details about you and what you do.

Book a ride while indoors

Avoid lingering outside for long since this can attract pickpockets. Most thieves are aware of the behaviors many exhibit while waiting for a car. For instance, having the phone in your hands, constantly checking the street, texting, making quick calls and many more. Such behaviors notify others that you’re looking for a car and can be easily distracted to board the wrong vehicle. To stay safe, wait inside a lobby or a nearby shop.

Travel in groups

There’s safety in numbers and this makes it wise to travel in groups. Incase you’re travelling alone and feel somehow uncomfortable, call someone close to you and inform them of your destination and your expected time of arrival.

Use tracking features

Most rideshare services have features within their applications to enable friends or family members to track your location. S, it’s easy for family members to know your location and when you’re expected to arrive. Activate the feature by pressing the ” Share status” button if using Uber. If using Lyft, press the “Send ETA” button.

Final thoughts

Safety is of the essence for all travelers. So, before jumping into the car, be sure to take the number plate, car model and color. Also, verify whether the divers’ name and photo match. Traveling with a driver alone can be in tself risky, if possible travel with others to enhance your safety.Avoid giving out personal information and use the tacking features.