5 Tips for Staying Safe While Riding in an Uber or Lyft

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Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are a popular way to get from point A to B. Riders love it because it’s typically faster and cheaper than calling a traditional taxi. Simply open the app, enter your destination, and choose the ride that fits your budget. You’ll be able to see where your driver is and know when to expect them. No matter which rideshare app you choose, there are some safety guidelines you need to follow to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Make sure the driver’s information matches what’s in the app

Some people have gotten into the wrong vehicle because they weren’t paying attention, so the ride didn’t end well. When you request a ride, the app always shows you who’s coming, what kind of car they’re driving and the license plate number. This is all for your benefit. Always confirm the information before getting in. Check the license plate, see if the driver matches his or her picture and ask for their name. If the information doesn’t match, don’t get in.

Always wear your seat belt

In 2017, 47% of people who died in a car accident weren’t wearing seat belts. No matter how short the ride or how good of a driver the person claims to be, always buckle up. This will prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle if an accident occurs.

Share the details of your trip with someone you trust

If you’re traveling alone, especially at night, make sure someone knows your plans. Both Uber and Lyft have a share your trip feature which allows up to 5 contacts to see your location in real time. It also provides driver details and an estimated arrival time, so they know when you’re supposed to reach your destination.

Provide driver feedback

At the end of your ride you’ll be asked to rate your driver. Don’t just ignore the request. Your feedback helps distinguish between good and bad drivers. With Lyft, if you give the driver less than three stars, you’ll never been matched with them again. If the driver receives enough low ratings, they may be removed from the app.

Trust your intuition

Don’t get in the car if something feels “off”. More often than not, your gut instinct is right, and it can save you from a dangerous situation. If something goes wrong during your ride, both Uber and Lyft have an emergency button in their app. Just touch the button and they’ll connect you to 911. The app will provide your exact location and trip details for you to share with the dispatcher.