Getting a ride on Uber or Lyft is easy and convenient. However, riders have to be aware of the potential dangers of riding in a car with strangers. If you’re new to riding, here are some tips that may assist you in this potentially dangerous situation:
11 Tips When Riding Uber/Lyft
1. Request rides only from well-reviewed drivers.
Drivers on Uber and Lyft have a rating based on their ride history. A bad rating is a warning sign to potential riders that something may be wrong with this driver. Do not ride with drivers with low ratings or no ratings unless you are willing to take the risk. The average rating for Uber and Lyft drivers is about a 4.4.
2. Always check the car before entering.
Ensure that it matches the make and model shown on the driver’s app or website. It is essential to request the driver to wait while you check the vehicle out. It is also important to double-check whether they parked in a handicapped designated space.
3. If you request the driver to wait while checking the vehicle, make sure they agree. Many drivers will often ask for a gratuity or extra fare if they stay since it can be hard to find parking in cities like New York City. However, remember that you are entering into an agreement and would likely be asked to pay whatever is agreed upon before leaving the vehicle and entering your home or office building. Many riders do not realize that riding with strangers is a potential hazard and may not wish to risk it, but you should always deviate from this practice if requested by the driver.
4. Always look for and listen for the arrival announcement on your phone or audio system.
If there is no announcement, you must assume that the driver has not arrived at the pick-up location and call your app to cancel the ride request. If there is an announcement, but it doesn’t match up with what you’ve seen in person – then it’s wise to cancel.
5. Request that your driver use the phone’s GPS instead of following directions manually. The GPS will lead the driver closer to your location, rather than having them go farther away and come back. It is essential in large cities like New York City, where intersections are numbered, and if the driver doesn’t request directions by intersection, they may be led astray by a non-navigator GPS. Auto-navigator GPS systems also have the potential to take drivers through unfamiliar streets and dangerous neighborhoods.
6. Ask the driver to wait for you at the curb or in front of the building.
If there is a problem, you can see your driver and communicate with them before entering. If you are having trouble outside, it is better to cancel than enter a car that may take off with you without your consent. Remember that if there is a service fee, it should have been discussed before arriving at the location of pick-up. If this is an issue or confusion, cancel and find another driver or service that allows better communication outside of the car.
8. When getting into a vehicle in a foreign country, always be on guard and aware of your surroundings.
Use your common sense and gauge if someone may be following you. It’s best to pay attention to your surroundings as much as possible, but it’s best to leave if anything feels wrong. As a rider, you must make sure that if something dangerous is happening, you can alert others quickly so that they can take action as well.
9. Ask the driver if you can pay cash for a lower fee or a tip.
Many passengers aren’t aware that this is an option, but it may be cheaper than paying with your card. If you do pay with cash, make sure the driver gives you a receipt and retrace your payment steps to look for any fraudulent activity on your account within 24 hours.
10. Always cancel if there are any problems or issues with the vehicle during the trip. For example, if there is an accident, detour, or other matter that causes problems – call immediately to cancel and find another ride service to use instead. Often, riders will wait in hopes of being delivered safely to their destination before canceling.
10. Never share your personal information, such as your address or phone number, with a driver unless you feel safe doing so, and it is a habit you do in daily life.
It’s also in your best interest not to get too familiar with the driver at the beginning of a trip, as this could cause issues later on if something goes wrong during your trip.
11. Never put valuables on the seat, as this may make you appear vulnerable to the driver. If possible, keep your belongings under your clothes or in a safe place such as a backpack or purse. It may seem a bit paranoid but remember, you are entering into a contract with another person in an area where you may not know the surroundings, and you have the right to protect yourself at all costs.
13. Make sure that your driver knows where he is going before entering the vehicle.
It will help prevent confusion and ensure that you are delivered to the correct address. Keep an eye on your phone’s GPS on trips to foreign countries and ask the driver to use it in case they forget where they are going or need help getting back on track.
Many people are wary of being a passenger in a stranger’s vehicle and for a good reason. However, there are certain safe practices that you can follow to prevent yourself from being in a situation where one could harm you.
Getting a ride on Uber or Lyft is easy and convenient. However, riders have to be aware of the potential dangers of riding in a car with strangers. If you’re new to riding, here are some tips that may assist you in this potentially dangerous situation:
11 Tips When Riding Uber/Lyft
1. Request rides only from well-reviewed drivers.
Drivers on Uber and Lyft have a rating based on their ride history. A bad rating is a warning sign to potential riders that something may be wrong with this driver. Do not ride with drivers with low ratings or no ratings unless you are willing to take the risk. The average rating for Uber and Lyft drivers is about a 4.4.
2. Always check the car before entering.
Ensure that it matches the make and model shown on the driver’s app or website. It is essential to request the driver to wait while you check the vehicle out. It is also important to double-check whether they parked in a handicapped designated space.
3. If you request the driver to wait while checking the vehicle, make sure they agree. Many drivers will often ask for a gratuity or extra fare if they stay since it can be hard to find parking in cities like New York City. However, remember that you are entering into an agreement and would likely be asked to pay whatever is agreed upon before leaving the vehicle and entering your home or office building. Many riders do not realize that riding with strangers is a potential hazard and may not wish to risk it, but you should always deviate from this practice if requested by the driver.
4. Always look for and listen for the arrival announcement on your phone or audio system.
If there is no announcement, you must assume that the driver has not arrived at the pick-up location and call your app to cancel the ride request. If there is an announcement, but it doesn’t match up with what you’ve seen in person – then it’s wise to cancel.
5. Request that your driver use the phone’s GPS instead of following directions manually. The GPS will lead the driver closer to your location, rather than having them go farther away and come back. It is essential in large cities like New York City, where intersections are numbered, and if the driver doesn’t request directions by intersection, they may be led astray by a non-navigator GPS. Auto-navigator GPS systems also have the potential to take drivers through unfamiliar streets and dangerous neighborhoods.
6. Ask the driver to wait for you at the curb or in front of the building.
If there is a problem, you can see your driver and communicate with them before entering. If you are having trouble outside, it is better to cancel than enter a car that may take off with you without your consent. Remember that if there is a service fee, it should have been discussed before arriving at the location of pick-up. If this is an issue or confusion, cancel and find another driver or service that allows better communication outside of the car.
8. When getting into a vehicle in a foreign country, always be on guard and aware of your surroundings.
Use your common sense and gauge if someone may be following you. It’s best to pay attention to your surroundings as much as possible, but it’s best to leave if anything feels wrong. As a rider, you must make sure that if something dangerous is happening, you can alert others quickly so that they can take action as well.
9. Ask the driver if you can pay cash for a lower fee or a tip.
Many passengers aren’t aware that this is an option, but it may be cheaper than paying with your card. If you do pay with cash, make sure the driver gives you a receipt and retrace your payment steps to look for any fraudulent activity on your account within 24 hours.
10. Always cancel if there are any problems or issues with the vehicle during the trip. For example, if there is an accident, detour, or other matter that causes problems – call immediately to cancel and find another ride service to use instead. Often, riders will wait in hopes of being delivered safely to their destination before canceling.
10. Never share your personal information, such as your address or phone number, with a driver unless you feel safe doing so, and it is a habit you do in daily life.
It’s also in your best interest not to get too familiar with the driver at the beginning of a trip, as this could cause issues later on if something goes wrong during your trip.
11. Never put valuables on the seat, as this may make you appear vulnerable to the driver. If possible, keep your belongings under your clothes or in a safe place such as a backpack or purse. It may seem a bit paranoid but remember, you are entering into a contract with another person in an area where you may not know the surroundings, and you have the right to protect yourself at all costs.
13. Make sure that your driver knows where he is going before entering the vehicle.
It will help prevent confusion and ensure that you are delivered to the correct address. Keep an eye on your phone’s GPS on trips to foreign countries and ask the driver to use it in case they forget where they are going or need help getting back on track.
Many people are wary of being a passenger in a stranger’s vehicle and for a good reason. However, there are certain safe practices that you can follow to prevent yourself from being in a situation where one could harm you.
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