More people are opting to use Uber and Lyft rideshare services instead of using taxi’s or renting a car. With their round the clock and typically prompt availability, competitive pricing, and driver ratings, rideshare services are being utilized by more travelers and even partygoers. Here are some tips to help keep safe.
Stay indoors until your ride arrives. Waiting outside by yourself makes one an easy target for people pretending to be rideshare drivers, especially at night.
Verify the car and driver. Before you enter the vehicle, make sure it’s the correct one! Check the make, model, and color of the car, the license plate, and then ask the driver for his or her name. Avoid stating the driver’s name (for example, “Are you John?”).
Ask the driver to confirm your name. It’s also important that the driver verifies that he or she is picking up the right person as well. If the driver asks for your name, provide your first name only.
Sit in the backseat. Choose to sit in the backseat whenever possible. This allows you the ability to exit the car safely on either side to avoid traffic. It also allows for personal space between you and your driver.
Wear your seatbelt. Every time you get in a car you should put on your seatbelt, no exceptions!
Tell friends or family about your ride. Let someone know which rideshare service you are using, where you are headed, and what time you expect to arrive at your destination. Take a screenshot of the driver’s information and text it to them. You can also do a, Share Trip Status so they can track your trip.
Trust your intuition. If something about your ride doesn’t feel right, if you do not feel safe, you can cancel or end the ride. Ask the driver to pullover in a safe place to let you out.
Set up for success. Greet the driver and show respect for their car. If they are playing music that is not to your liking, politely ask if an alternative would be ok, or if they can turn it down or off for the ride. It is good etiquette to ask if they mind if you make a phone call. Rate your driver so others can benefit from your experience.
Final tip, rideshare may not be the least expensive. When demand is greater than the number of drivers available, there will be what is called, surge pricing. You can avoid that by scheduling in advance. If you do not have a reservation, you can wait to see if prices drop. For short trips, taxi’s may be lower in cost. There are apps that can tell you whether you are better off taking an Uber, Lyft or taxi. A highly rated app for that is called, Obi.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12
SINCE 1979