Rideshare services are now commonplace, offering Americans a convenient alternative to hard-to-hail cabs or public transit. A few taps of a mobile device are all it takes to request a ride – but it’s important to remember that services like Uber and Lyft are not without their risks.
Sure, they prevent people from driving drunk or waiting for a ride in less-than-desirable areas … but at the end of the day (or night), you are still getting into a stranger’s vehicle.
To help keep Berkeley County residents safe, West Law Firm’s car accident attorneys have listed a few responsible rideshare practices here:
- Request a ride while still inside.It’s best to request an Uber or Lyft while still inside a safe building. If you are riding alone, stick with the rest of your group until your ride has arrived. This prevents you from waiting outside – especially at night.
- Make sure it’s a match.Instead of just hopping in your ride when it arrives, check that the type of car and license plate match. If the driver does not ask for you by name, ask for theirs to make sure it matches, too. Plus, the apps provide a photo of the driver so it’s a good idea to make sure that checks out as well.
- Never ride shotgun.Always sit in the backseat of a rideshare vehicle. If something happens, it is much easier to exit.
- Buckle up.Rideshare vehicles are not exempt from accidents, so be sure to wear your seat belt at all times.
- Designate a buddy.If riding alone, tell a friend when you are leaving and where you are going. Once you have reached your destination safely, let your friend know. Talking to them on the phone for the duration of the ride, if possible, is another great way to stay safe.
- Keep details to a minimum.Never share personal information with your driver. They may seem completely harmless, but there’s no way to know your driver’s intentions.
Riders are not the only ones at risk. In fact, 42% of reported sexual assaults (the most common crime) targeted drivers. To protect their drivers, both Lyft and Uber have added new features to their apps, including an emergency button that shares location and license plate details directly with a 911 dispatcher.
Here at West Law Firm, our car accident attorneys encourage drivers to ditch their keys and request a ride if they are not fit to drive. But we also ask Berkeley County residents to keep these safety tips in mind!
If you have been involved in a rideshare incident, help is just a call away. To schedule your free consultation at our Moncks Corner office, give us a call at 843-761-5626 or click here!