There has been a lot of information in the news in the past couple of years regarding the safety of using rideshare services. Uber and Lyft are facing several lawsuits alleging that their rideshare drivers sexually assaulted female passengers. There are also allegations that rideshare services do not conduct thorough background checks to identify individuals with criminal backgrounds, or monitor drivers for future criminal allegations.
Additionally, Uber and Lyft drivers have caused numerous individuals to be killed or seriously injured in rideshare accidents. Rideshare drivers have been accused of drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and violating traffic laws, which resulted in traffic accidents. Innocent passengers paid the price for the negligence, recklessness, and wrongdoing of rideshare drivers.
Tips to Keep You Safe When Using Rideshare Services
Below are rideshare safety tips that you need to know before your next Uber, Lyft, or rideshare trip:
- Always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you. Share your rideshare trip with a trusted friend or family member directly through the rideshare app (the easiest and quickest way) or by texting/calling the person before getting into a vehicle with a rideshare driver.
- Verify the rideshare driver and vehicle with the information on the rideshare app. Ask the driver to tell you the name of the passenger the driver is picking up before you get into the vehicle.
- Always leave feedback and read feedback. Feedback is a vital tool for rideshare passengers to share information about which drivers to avoid.
- Don’t discuss personal information with the driver. It is okay to have a pleasant conversation, but you should avoid discussing your living arrangements, contact information, and how long you intend to be in town.
- Sit in the back seat whenever possible to give yourself more personal space. Sitting in the back seat also gives you two potential exits in case of an emergency.
- Wear your seatbelt during the entire trip.
- Always check the driver’s rating and reviews before scheduling a trip. If a driver has a low rating, choose another driver.
- Do not give your driver cash. Your driver is paid through the rideshare app. If a driver requests cash for a trip, report the driver immediately to Uber or Lyft.
- Report suspicious or dangerous behavior, such as distracted driving, to the rideshare company immediately through the app. Uber and Lyft both have ways to report drivers through the app.
- Use the emergency button located in the Uber or Lyft app to call 911 in an emergency. The app provides your real-time location with the 911 dispatcher. Trust your instincts. If you feel you may be in danger, call for help.
- Whenever possible, arrange for and wait for your rideshare vehicle inside to avoid standing alone outdoors with your cell phone in your hand.
- Open your maps app on your cell phone and follow along as the Uber or Lyft driver take you to your destination. Following along with your map app can notify you immediately if the driver changes direction unnecessarily.
- Whenever possible, travel with another person or groups. Some rideshare services offer carpool options for customers.
Contact an Attorney if You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident or the Victim of Assault
Rideshare accidents can be difficult to litigate because you might have multiple parties and insurance companies disputing liability. As an innocent passenger, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and damages. An Uber sexual assault attorney can protect your rights by sorting out the details and identifying the parties who are responsible for your damages.
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