Amid the enhanced flexibility and convenience offered by Uber, there are rising concerns about safety among passengers during rides. Some of the safety concerns among passengers include:
- Physical safety: there are cases where drivers are reported to physically assault their passengers
- Road safety: fatigue and distracted driving as a result of drivers picking up more rides or driving for more hours tend to compromise passengers’ road safety
- Data privacy concerns: unauthorized sharing of information such as your location, travel patterns, and payment details can be detrimental
The fact that Uber operates with more autonomy, unlike public means of transport, results in reduced accountability and a lack of oversight. This is one of the reasons why Uber accident cases can be more complex to navigate. However, if you talk to an Uber accident lawyer immediately after the accident, you will get proper guidance and legal representation in your case.
Safety Tips
To enhance your safety level when in an Uber, consider following these six tips:
1. Wait for your pickup in a safe place
When you request your car, it is important to wait for it at a safe place, preferably a well-lit area. Waiting for your car in dark or secluded areas compromises your ability to ensure you are getting in the right vehicle. Whenever consider waiting for your car in areas where there are other people. For example, if you are requesting a ride while in a restaurant, it is good practice to only get outside when the car is just a few minutes away.
2. Before boarding, verify your ride
As soon as the vehicle arrives, take some time to verify some critical details against what is provided in the Uber app. For instance, you need to verify:
- Driver’s name and photo
- License plate
- Car model
Ensure that these details match those provided in the app before boarding. Any discrepancies in these physical details and those in the app are a red flag on your safety.
3. Share the details of your trip with family or friends
By sharing your ride details with a third person, you offer yourself an additional layer of security, putting that person in a position to know your whereabouts. Aware that passengers can share details of their ride, Uber drivers know they can be monitored throughout the journey. In case anything goes south, for example, an accident, the friend or family member with whom you shared your ride details becomes a source of essential information.
4. Sit in the backseat, preferably diagonal to the driver
Two safety advantages come with sitting diagonally behind the driver:
- It offers some personal space between you and the driver
- You will have a clear view of the driver and the road
The personal space between you and the driver allows you to engage in your activities, such as viewing videos, and texting, among others, without being concerned about someone else looking at what you are doing. Having a clear view of the driver and the road allows you to quickly detect cases of distracted driving or any other suspicious activities by the driver.
5. Trust your instincts
Whenever you feel uncomfortable or sense something suspicious, do not neglect that feeling; you need to trust your gut. As a passenger, you have the right to end your trip at any time. Always remember that your instincts are a powerful indicator of your safety.
6. Stay aware of your environment
You must maintain awareness of your route and surroundings throughout your ride. This will help you ensure the driver is following the app’s navigated path. The benefit of maintaining awareness of your surroundings and the route is that you can quickly detect any deviation from the expected path.
Summary
Generally, you have a critical role to play in ensuring your safety in an Uber. Some of the basic tips you can employ to stay safe in an Uber include waiting for your pickup in a safe place, verifying your ride before boarding, sharing your trip details with family or friends, sitting in the backseat, trusting your instincts, and staying aware of your environment.
