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Ridesharing apps like Uber have become a part of daily life for many commuters. They provide a quick and hassle-free solution for daily commutes that would otherwise be very tricky and exhausting to navigate. Unfortunately, the use of these services also brings a fair share of safety risks to riders.
Operators like Uber have been sued in the past for safety concerns. There are numerous factors affecting rideshare safety. It is important for commuters to stay vigilant while using these services, as they may not have another means of transport.
Here are a few tips that commuters can follow to stay safe on a rideshare trip
Verify Driver and Vehicle Details
The first thing you should do when you book a ride on Uber is check the driver’s details. Make sure the name and face of the driver match the details on your phone. Also, verify that the vehicle details match—the make, model, and other details should match with what’s listed on your app.
Do not get into the vehicle if the details don’t match, and be sure to report the problem to Uber.
Tell Someone Where You’re Headed
A way to stay safe while using Uber is to inform your loved ones about where you’re going. Let them know the details of your ride—you can share it via the app. That way, if something goes wrong, they’ll be able to track you and give law enforcement some key details if needed. This will also give you some peace of mind that someone’s looking out for you should anything go wrong.
Be sure to mention your estimated time of arrival and destination to a friend or family member so they will know if something seems off.
Stay Alert
While you’re in the car, make sure you’re alert. Don’t get lost in your phone. Pay attention to where the vehicle is headed and make sure the driver sticks to the right route. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to ask the driver to pull over.
Staying alert helps you react to any danger promptly and minimize potential harm.
Always Sit in the Back Seat
As an added measure of security, you should sit in the back seat of the Uber. This gives the driver less access to you if they intend to harm you, and it also gives you a good view of what the driver is doing. Don't sit in the seat right behind the driver; sit in the one diagonally behind them.
If you feel like something’s off, ask the driver to stop at a safe place that’s full of people. Don’t get off in shady places or desolate areas.
Understand Your Rights
If something untoward happens, you should report it to the company so that they can take appropriate action. Failing to do so leaves the driver free to continue committing crimes and can put other lives at risk. The Uber app has an option to report incidents, which you should use in such a scenario.
You should also contact a lawyer to understand your rights in case of something like an accident or assault. The driver and the company can be held responsible for such actions, and you need a competent lawyer by your side to guide you through the process.
Conclusion
Uber is a frequently used form of transport for many commuters. However, it’s not free of risk, which is why it’s essential for commuters to take proper safety precautions. From staying alert to informing a loved one about the ride to being aware of their legal rights, there are several steps commuters can take.
By following these tips, commuters can reduce risk and stay safe on Uber rides. If an incident occurs despite their best efforts, it’s important to remember that commuters are protected by the law, and they should report the incident to the company and law enforcement.
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