How to Stay Safe the Next Time You Schedule an Uber Ride

Over 3.1 million Uber trips take place each day.

Statistically speaking, that means that every so often you might run into issues. That’s why it’s always important to take safety precautions when you schedule Uber rides.

There are some tips—like wearing a seatbelt—that you should practice in any car. But others, such as knowing where to sit and what type of information you should never divulge, may be less obvious.

Here’s what you should do to stay safe next time you schedule an Uber ride.

Share Your Trip With Others

Uber ridesharing becomes safer when you get others involved. Whether you’re taking a trip across the city during work hours or using it at night after partying, let someone know where you’re going.

Right in the application, you can share your location and ride information with friends or other contacts. It’s good to let them know beforehand that you’re planning on getting in an Uber.

That way, they can expect the sharing details and are prepared to keep tabs on your journey. It’s not a bad idea to have one friend that you do this with often if you take rideshares frequently. You can trade-off and be the person they share with, too.

Never Share Personal Information

Never share information with your Uber driver that could expose details about you that should stay private. There’s no reason to give them your phone number, information from your ID, or anything else that isn’t connected to the app.

In the event that a driver asks for alternative forms of payment, tell them they’ll have to contact Uber directly. 

Also never share information over the phone. Do everything right through the app to leave a paper trail and ensure you aren’t getting scammed.

More recently, phone scams through Uber rideshare have become frequent. But Uber says right on their website they will never contact you via text message or phone.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Of the more than 37,000 automobile crashes that killed someone in 2017, 47 percent of victims were not wearing seatbelts. It’s important for your safety (and the safety of passengers and the driver) that you buckle up before you go.

It can be easy to overlook this step, especially since many use Uber as an alternative to driving drunk. But it’s a good habit to practice no matter whose car you’re in.

Even if the Uber driver boasts high safety or overall ratings, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

In the event that you are injured in an Uber rideshare event, contact Jesse Soffer today.

Sit in the Backseat

It might seem like sitting up front gives you the best view of what’s happening. But it’s actually safer to sit in the back. That’s according to Uber, at least.

Sitting in the back gives you space to exit the vehicle from either side. It also helps create a little bit of space between you and the driver.

While some rideshare hosts like to talk and be friendly, others may simply want to listen to music and not be disturbed. Sitting in the back seat gives you more space to monitor your ride and allows them to do their job without feeling like their space is being invaded.

Be Kind

Sometimes, tensions can run high or circumstances can get out of hand. Maybe you’re getting picked up after a heated altercation or someone you’re going home with is feeling a little rowdy.

Regardless of the scenario, be sure to practice good ridesharing safety habits on your end, too. Remember that you’re a guest in someone else’s car. It’s best to be as kind and respectful of their space as possible.

In the event that you’re stuck in a situation—say a friend is upset, is getting sick, or is just rambunctious—talk to them before they get in the Uber. Make a judgment call whether or not you’ll call them a second ride. 

It might even be a good idea to cancel the trip altogether. Eating a small cancellation fee could be better than upsetting your driver or creating some kind of conflict that could be avoided. 

Trust Your Gut

Human intuition goes a long way. If you schedule an Uber ride that’s just not working for you, it’s best to get out of the trip altogether.

Of course, this will look different depending on which part of the trip it is. If they’ve got a low rating and you don’t want to go, just cancel the ride right away.

If they arrive and something feels off—you don’t feel comfortable, the car smells like alcohol or drugs, etc.—tell them you’d like to cancel your ride. It’s always a good idea to give yourself a moment before shutting the car door to see what you’re getting into. That way you can just step out.

Being halfway through a ride is tricky, but still doable. Let the driver know respectfully that you’d like to end your ride and to drop you off at the next safest location.

Don’t allow them to control the situation or question your decision; you reserve the right to feel a certain way and act accordingly.

If things really spiral out of control, call 911 immediately. Also, be sure to report the incident through Uber.

Safety Tips When You Schedule Uber Rides

Being safe when you schedule Uber rides ensures you and the driver both have a good experience. While ridesharing is very popular, there’s always a chance that problems can arise when going in a stranger’s car.

Basic tips like wearing a seatbelt and sitting in the back are easy to follow. Being respectful and trusting your intuition are less black-and-white but still important safety tips you should always follow.

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