How to stay safe on ride-sharing apps

When it comes to ride-sharing service, safety is no laughing matter.

Recently, a college student was murdered when she got into a vehicle she thought was her Uber. Ride-sharing apps do offer protection for both driver and passenger, but there are still some things you can do to make sure you arrive safe and sound.

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If you don’t feel safe, cancel the ride

Sometimes when accepting a ride, or picking up a passenger the situation doesn’t feel right. It could be that the vehicle reeks of alcohol, or that the passenger does not look like their picture. If this happens, you can cancel the ride, and then report the problematic individual in the app.

Sometimes you will be charged a cancellation fee, but you can contest it when filing a report.

Share the ride with someone

For both drivers and passengers, you have the ability to share your location on the app with a friend or relative. This is meant to offer peace of mind so that somebody knows where you are, and can alert the authorities if need be.

Waze is a popular GPS service that updates constantly to show traffic, accidents, potholes, and even nearby police activity. One of the app’s features is the ability to share a ride with somebody so they can see where you are in relation to your destination.

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Check the license plate before getting inside

Apps like Uber and Lyft show you the model and color of the vehicle on its way to get you. The apps also tell you the license plate number of the vehicle picking you up, so you know for certain that you are getting in the right vehicle.

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For drivers and passengers, the app has your back

Ride-sharing apps take information from both the rider and passenger for each ride. If something were to happen on the ride, the apps know the parties involved, their information, and where they are on the map.

For drivers, every ride is insured and a fee will be charged to the passenger if they make a mess in your vehicle.

Drivers and passengers also have a 24/7 incident report system as well as a button for emergency assistance in the app.

Report problematic riders, drivers

Ride-sharing apps screen both drivers and their vehicles before hiring anybody. Unfortunately, some problematic individual can slip through the cracks.

If you are having an issue with a passenger or a driver, you can report the person. The app will take your report into consideration, and remove problematic people from the service. Click below to read about how Uber especially has been cracking down on drivers.

Uber is getting tough on users with low ratings

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Reporting problems helps to make the app safer for users on both ends of the spectrum.

Don’t ride/let people ride shotgun

At the end of the day, you are sharing a ride with a stranger. There is nothing wrong with having a conversation between rider and passenger. However, the two do not need to sit right next to each other.

Having the passenger sit in the back seat means that they can leave the vehicle quicker. It also means that they are further away from the steering wheel and gear-shift, ensuring that the driver is the only one in control. 

By following these tips, we hope all your rides go smoothly. And remember, if you ever feel unsafe, trust your gut and find another way to your destination.

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