Rideshare services have become ubiquitous throughout the US. Services like Uber and Lyft have been providing ways for individuals to get from point A to point B for more than a decade now, but there have been significant safety concerns for passengers.

In this blog post, the Milwaukee rideshare accident attorneys at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. discuss some important tips for protecting your safety when using a rideshare service.

Remain Cautious at all Times

Individuals wishing to use an Uber or Lyft, or any other rideshare service, should remain vigilant at all times. We suggest individuals learn all about their rideshare service before taking a ride and to learn what is and isn’t appropriate driver behavior. Rideshare passengers should know where the app’s safety features are located, and they should keep their phones accessible at all times during their ride.

Tell Someone Where You’re Going

Rideshare passengers should let a friend or family member know where they are going. A simple text message saying that they are taking a rideshare and heading to a specific destination could certainly help if something does go wrong during the ride. 

Check Your Surroundings

We encourage all rideshare passengers to remain alert while they wait for their ride, during the ride, and after they get out of the rideshare vehicle.

Wait for Your Ride Inside

All rideshare passengers should stay indoors while they wait for their ride to show up. Individuals can track the progress of their rideshare car on their phone so they can properly time going outside. This reduces the chance of a passenger becoming the victim of a crime while waiting for their rideshare vehicle to show up.

Verify the Vehicle

Before getting into an Uber or Lyft vehicle, rideshare passengers should verify that they are getting in the correct vehicle. The rideshare app will contain crucial information about the trip, including the type of vehicle, the color, and the license plate number. Rideshare passengers should use all of the information in the app to verify that they are getting in the correct vehicle.

Verify the Driver

Rideshare passengers should take a good look at the driver, greet them from outside the car, and ask their name. The driver’s name and photo will be in the rideshare app, and they should be verified against the person driving the vehicle. If a driver appears to be intoxicated in any way, passengers should not get in.

Sit in the Back

Rideshare passengers should sit in the back of the vehicle so they can place some distance between themselves and the driver. This makes it harder for the driver to physically reach the passenger, which is important if the driver has any ill intent.

Keep Personal Information Private

Many rideshare drivers will engage in small talk, and this is fine. However, you, as a rideshare passenger, should keep your personal information to yourself. Do not give away any information about your daily life, schedule, or whereabouts. Do not mention where you work, anything about your home, or your social plans.

In essence, always prioritize your safety during rideshare trips. Remember to follow these tips to have a stay alert, let someone know your destination, be aware of your surroundings, wait inside for your ride, double-check vehicle and driver details, sit in the back seat, and keep personal info private.

Your safety matters most, so remember these steps on every ride.