Top Safety Tips for Using Uber™ and Lyft™

In the modern world, hopping into a stranger's car has become the norm, thanks to ride-sharing services like Uber™ and Lyft™. Despite their convenience, it's crucial to remember that safety should always come first. While statistics show that over 99.99% of rideshare trips occur without any safety issues, being vigilant and taking certain precautions can help ensure your ride is as safe as possible.

The Truth About Rideshare Safety

Overall, ride-sharing is very safe. Uber and Lyft have reported the vast majority of their trips happen without incident. However, with millions of rides occurring daily, even a tiny percentage of safety issues can represent a significant number. In 2019 and 2020, there were more than 4,800 safety incidents reported in the U.S. by Lyft and Uber. Despite these figures, the overall safety incident rates for these companies are incredibly low.

Driver Screenings

Both Uber and Lyft take several measures to keep their riders safe, starting with thorough driver screenings. Before anyone can drive for Uber or Lyft, they must undergo a background check. This screening process helps filter out individuals with criminal records or driving offenses. Furthermore, these companies conduct annual rechecks and require drivers to take safety programs.

Safety Features in Apps

Both Uber and Lyft have integrated various safety features into their apps to protect riders.

Uber:

• Trusted Contacts: Allows riders to share their trip details and location with trusted contacts.
• Safety Button: Provides quick access to 911 in case of an emergency.
• RideCheck: Monitors trips for unusual activity, such as unexpected long stops, and sends notifications to check if everything is okay.

Lyft:

• Smart Trip Check-In: Similar to Uber's RideCheck, this feature monitors rides for strange activity.
• Share Destination: Lets riders share their location with friends and family.
• ADT Partnership: Provides an option to contact ADT if feeling unsafe, which then contacts authorities with the trip details.

Safety Tips for Riders

Even with these measures in place, riders should follow additional safety practices:

• Request your ride from inside: Wait inside until your ride arrives to minimize the time spent waiting alone outside.
• Check your ride: Confirm the car's make and model, the license plate number, and the driver's name and photo before getting in.
• Have the driver confirm your name: To ensure you're getting into the right car, ask the driver to confirm your name.
• Sit in the back seat: Whenever possible, sit in the back seat. This not only provides a safer exit in traffic but also offers a personal space buffer.
• Wear your seat belt: Always wear your seat belt to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
• Share your trip details: Use the app to share your trip details with friends or family so they can track your journey.
• Protect your personal information: Avoid sharing personal details with your driver.
• Follow your intuition: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don't hesitate to cancel the ride or request help through the app.
• Give feedback: After your trip, provide feedback in the app. This helps the ride-sharing companies maintain safety standards and address any issues.

While ride-sharing is generally safe, it's essential to remain cautious. Utilizing the safety features provided by rideshare services, combined with the safety tips outlined above, can help ensure that your ride-sharing experience remains secure and comfortable. Always trust your instincts, stay informed, and don't hesitate to take action if you ever feel unsafe during a ride.

References: Rideshare Safety Guide 2023 | Protect your safety while riding with Uber