Ridesharing is a daily convenience and, for most women, an integral part of life. It is relied upon to get to and from work, out with friends, or to get daily chores done. While it has its benefits, there is a certain amount of risk involved with sharing a car with a stranger. There have, on occasion, been cases of harassment and occasionally violence during rideshares.
Sometimes, you may face an accident. If you’re ever involved in an incident due to a rideshare driver’s negligence or misrepresentation, the injury attorneys at Hollander Law Firm can provide the legal support you need to pursue a claim and protect your rights.
Prevention is always better. So, with vigilance and being careful to observe certain precautions, these hazards can be reduced to a minimum, and women may be confident and secure while driving.
Here are six tips for women to remain safe while riding an Uber.
Verify the Driver and Car Before Getting In
Before you get into an Uber, double-check the driver’s information. The Uber app provides you with the driver’s name, photo, license plate number, and car make and model. Check to make sure everything is just as it should be before you get into the car.
Don’t rely on a verbal identification of your name—ask, “Who are you here to pick me up?” to make sure they have your name via the app. In busy areas like South Florida, where rideshare usage is high, verifying this information is an essential step in staying safe.
Share Your Trip Details with Someone You Trust
Uber offers an in-app option to share your trip status with a friend or loved one. It provides GPS tracking and estimated time of arrival. After you leave, enable location sharing to share your details with a trusted friend or family member. This way, they will know where you’re going, with whom, and what time you’ll be coming back.
Sit in the Back Seat
Whenever you can, ride in the rear seat, as it provides you with room and possibilities, it also puts you at a safe distance from the driver and, if necessary, allows you to get out of the vehicle on both sides. It’s less threatening and allows you to monitor the driver’s behavior without being confrontationally close.
Avoid Sharing Too Much Personal Information
Light conversation can be a good way to kill time; just be careful what you say. Don’t provide personal details like where you live, what you do daily, traveling alone, or what you have planned for tonight. No matter how friendly and cooperative the driver appears, keep the conversation superficial and professional. Oversharing will unwittingly put you at risk.
Trust Your Gut and End the Ride if Needed
Trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right during your ride. If it’s your driver’s tone, attitude, or a deviation from the known route, it’s fine to intervene. If you feel threatened, politely ask your driver to end your ride at a safe public place. You can also use Uber’s emergency assistance through the app to get help right away.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
While it is tempting to use your phone to scroll or jam in earbuds while you ride, remain attentive to your surroundings. To do this, glance at your route through your app’s GPS to verify that your driver isn’t deviating from where they should be going.
Takeaway
Riding with Uber can be safe and hassle-free, but you must be cautious and mindful with each ride, especially if you are a woman. The above are ways to verify your car, keep yourself linked to others, and pay heed to your instincts to significantly minimize your risks. In addition, educate yourself and follow simple measures to safeguard your well-being. Remember, you should not have to worry wherever you travel.
