Holiday Uber and Lyft Safety Tips Everyone Should Know - Bryan Garrett Personal Injury Attorney

Like many others, you may rely on rideshare apps if you make travel plans for the festive season. While using Uber and Lyft is usually convenient and secure, you should still observe these holiday Uber safety tips. Following basic precautions can help you avoid risky situations and protect you in emergencies.

1. Make Sure You Ride in the Right Car

Basic driver verification helps ensure you’re entering the right car. When you request a ride, Uber and Lyft let you know your designated driver’s license plate. Never enter the vehicle if the license plate number doesn’t match. You should also ask the driver their name and check that they know yours.

2. Share Your Location With a Trusted Person

Arrange for an emergency contact and let them know your location just in case, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area. Both Lyft and Uber offer an app tracking feature you can use to let a trusted person track your ride in real time.

3. Share Your Ride

Having other passengers in the car is one of the more effective holiday Uber safety tips, especially when you travel alone at night or in a strange location. Lyft and Uber have ride-sharing options that will match you with other riders going in your direction. Sharing a ride helps you save money and should only add a few minutes to your trip.

4. Double-Check Your Route

To boost ride-share safety, use a map app and make sure your driver is following the right route. Pay extra attention to your surroundings when riding at night. A driver may choose another route for legitimate reasons like traffic congestion, but don’t hesitate to ask about the reasons for the change. Use in-app safety and emergency features if necessary.

5. Take the Back Seat

Riding in the back seat is probably the simplest of these holiday Uber safety tips. Doing so will give you and the driver some space and help you exit the car quickly in an emergency. If you must escape mid-ride, try to use the side facing away from traffic. If you’re afraid for your safety, use the rideshare app’s emergency button to call 911.

6. Leave a Ride If Something Feels “Off”

It’s better to cancel and request another ride than put yourself in a potentially unsafe situation. You can even ask to stop the car and step out mid-ride if something about the driver feels “off.” You’ll only have to pay for part of the ride provided the driver ends the ride in the app.

7. Protect Your Privacy

It’s natural to chat with the driver while you ride. However, make sure you don’t share your address, where you’re staying, or any sensitive personal details. Don’t give your phone number to the driver and report them if they ask for it. Never pay or tip in cash: all payments should go through the rideshare app.

8. Buckle Up

Although both Uber and Lyft vet their drivers for safety, no one is immune to road accidents. Wear your seatbelt to reduce the risk of injuries. If an accident happens, document everything, notify your insurance, and talk to a personal injury lawyer to find out whether you’re entitled to compensation.

Did You End Up in a Rideshare Accident? Call Bryan Garrett, PLLC

Even if you follow all holiday Uber safety tips, accidents may still happen. If you suffered an accident while using a rideshare app, call our law office to talk to Bryan Garrett, PLLC. Our legal team will explain your options and help you seek compensation for your injuries.