Travel safely and be safe
What is rideshare?
Rideshare, or car-sharing, refers to the practice of using an online platform that matches passengers with drivers who are willing to provide transportation. The passenger can choose from several different vehicles, including cars, vans, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, etc.
Why do people use them?
Rideshares have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and affordability. They offer individuals more freedom than public transit because they allow you to pick up where you left off rather than having to start at your destination all over again. Rideshares also reduce traffic congestion by allowing riders to get around without driving themselves. In addition to being convenient, rideshares are environmentally friendly since there’s no need to own a vehicle if one isn’t needed.
How does it work?
When someone signs up on a website like Uber, Lyft, Gett, Juno, GetMe, or Via, the process begins. Once signed up, users will receive text messages inviting them to request a driver through the app. After accepting this invitation, the user gets information about the nearest available driver. If both parties agree to go together, the rider and driver meet each other within minutes. When everything goes smoothly, the two parties may decide whether to continue working together.
What are some safety tips for Ridesharing?
Rideshare is a great way to get around town. It’s also an affordable and convenient option, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing or how to stay safe while using the service. Here’s our list of five top tips on staying safe when sharing your car with strangers:
1) Be aware that drivers may not always have their seatbelts buckled up. If there’s no one in the front passenger seat, make sure yours is appropriately fastened. The same goes for any child seats installed in the vehicle. And remember that even though they might seem like minor details, all these things could save lives.
2) Make sure passengers understand where the emergency exits are located before getting into the backseat. You should never assume someone will find them—even if you think they’ll probably do so because they live nearby.
3) Always lock your doors after picking up a stranger from anywhere other than home or work. This includes parking lots, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Even if you trust the driver, locking your door ensures that they cannot enter without permission.
4) Never agree to pay more money for a trip than was agreed upon at pickup time. Drivers who try this trick often use fake credit cards to charge extra fees. They then threaten to call the police unless you give them cash instead.
5) Don’t let anyone take control of your phone or tablet during trips. Keep both devices safely tucked away until you arrive at your destination.
That means avoiding rush hour traffic too!
6) Avoid taking taxis late at night. Taxis operate under different regulations than regular vehicles, making them less likely to stop quickly if something happens. Plus, most taxi drivers aren’t trained well enough to handle emergencies.
7) Ask questions. Before agreeing to a fare, ask the driver whether his license is valid and carries insurance. Also, check out his rating online through sites.
8) Know exactly where you want to go before hopping inside. When booking a cab, tell the dispatcher where you need to go. Then keep track of them via GPS tracking software. Once you arrive, confirm your location with the driver.
9) Trust your instincts.
10) Report suspicious behavior immediately.
11) Take advantage of apps such as Uber Pool and Lyft Line. These services allow riders to split fares evenly among multiple people traveling together.
12) Do not accept drinks or food from unknown sources.
How can I be a safe Uber driver?
Uber has been working hard to help keep riders and drivers safer by providing resources for everyone involved. We offer free training courses for new drivers as well as ongoing education opportunities for current ones. Our Driver Support team offers 24/7 support via email and chat, which gives us another chance to educate people about the importance of following rules set forth by local laws and regulations.
Is it safe to be a rideshare driver?
Ridesharing companies provide an alternative way for people to earn income on their terms. However, many people still believe that driving for a company isn’t really “work.” But just because we don’t consider a job “real” doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or illegal. Here are some tips from our partners at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration :
• Use common sense when choosing rideshare jobs — know what kind of car you drive, how long you’ve had it, and how much experience you have behind the wheel.
• Stay alert while driving. Set aside plenty of time between pickups to rest, eat, drink water, and prepare for the next assignment.
• Drive defensively. Follow posted speed limits and obey signs and signals. Give yourself room to maneuver around obstacles.
• Pay attention to road conditions.
Which rideshare app is safest?
The best way to ensure your safety as a rideshare driver is to follow the guidelines provided by both the federal government and the states where you operate. For example, if you want to start with UberX, you must first obtain a permit through the city or county where you plan to pick up customers. You’ll also need to register your vehicle with the State Motor Vehicle Division.
If you decide to go into business using other vehicles like Lyft or Sidecar, you won’t necessarily require any permits. Instead, you’ll sign up with each platform and pay them directly. In most cases, however, obtaining permits and registering cars aren’t required for those who use the newer models of rideshares. That includes UberPool, Lyft Line, and Shared Ride.
Conclusion
Be safe! We must be vigilant when selecting rideshare vehicles to travel with. We need to ensure that we are traveling with a safe driver who has no prior criminal convictions. We also need to make sure that the driver is insured, as well as licensed by the state