Safety Tips for Riding With Uber or Lyft

Rideshare apps continue to grow in popularity globally, first overtaking the taxi cab industry, then expanding to attract many people who previously frequented public transportation. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are fast, private, convenient, and available at the touch of a digital button. An estimated 14 million Uber rides occurred daily in 2022. While the vast majority of Uber and Lyft rides transpire without incident, recent reports by rideshare companies reveal that for some passengers— a ride with Uber or Lyft ends in disaster.

Uber’s second U.S. Safety report reveals 3,824 reports of serious sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Meanwhile, Lyft reported at least 1,800 sexual assaults in 2021. Both companies face lawsuits for other forms of assault and misconduct. Both rideshare companies also contributed to a 3% rise in car accident fatalities.

While most rideshare experiences conclude safely and satisfactorily, that’s little comfort for those harmed or injured. How can rideshare users minimize their risks while enjoying the convenience of Uber and Lyft?

Don’t Stand Outside With Your Phone

Standing outside to request and wait for a ride can make you a target. By standing by the street with your smartphone in your hand, you make it readily apparent that you’re waiting for a rideshare car, potentially attracting criminals who impersonate rideshare drivers.

Take Time to Double Check Identification

Recognizing the make and model of the vehicle sent through your app should never be enough confirmation for you to get into the car. Instead, always check the license tag number and driver ID photo to compare with the one sent through the rideshare app. Never get into a different car, even if the driver offers a reason, such as their regular car is in the shop.

Finally, ask the driver to confirm your name. A legitimate rideshare driver should always have the name you’ve registered through your app.

Ride in the Backseat and Wear Your Seatbelt

Statistically, the backseat is the best place in a vehicle to maximize your chances of survival in a car accident. While riding in a rideshare vehicle, always choose to ride in the backseat and wear your seatbelt properly. Never accept a ride in a rideshare vehicle with no seatbelts or malfunctioning seatbelts.

Never Overshare With a Rideshare Driver

Your rideshare driver should have only your first name and your pickup and dropoff location. They don’t have access to your payment information, full name, or home address. Never give a driver personal information. Many rideshare users protect their home address information by avoiding drop-offs directly to their home addresses. If you’re in an unfamiliar region, use your own phone GPS to be sure the driver is taking you to the correct location.

Always trust your intuition and don’t accept a ride with a driver who behaves suspiciously or appears inebriated. 

Uber’s Toolkit for Passenger Safety

Not only does Uber allow passengers to share their ride information with a trusted friend or family member through the “share trip status” option in the app, but they also have a User Safety Toolkit. Tap the shield icon to report any safety issues, suspicious driver behavior, or other hazards. Always call 911 first if you feel you’re in immediate danger. An experienced and qualified Florida Uber accident lawyer can help navigate Uber related legal cases. 

Rideshare Liability

Proving liability in a rideshare accident works just as it does in other accidents, but when the rideshare driver was at fault, determining which insurance policy pays for claims can be challenging and varies depending on what stage of the rideshare process the driver was in or if he was using his vehicle for personal use. A Fort Lauderdale Lyft accident attorney with experience in rideshare accidents can help prove liability and determine what insurance policy must pay out on a claim