Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to get around, especially in urban areas like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. However, every passenger needs to take precautions for their personal safety when using rideshares. Here are some important rideshare safety tips to protect yourself as a passenger in Florida:
Research Your Driver
Before getting into an Uber or Lyft, take a moment to verify your driver’s identity and qualifications. Confirm that their photo, license plate, and vehicle make/model match what’s provided in the app. Avoid riding with drivers who have low ratings, as this could indicate prior issues with other passengers.
Wait Indoors Before Your Pickup
Stay inside a building until your ride arrives instead of waiting outside. This prevents anyone else from approaching you or trying to scam you into an unsafe ride. Once your ride arrives, check the license plate and driver photo before approaching the vehicle.
Sit in the Back Seat
Always sit in the backseat when riding solo. This puts space between you and the driver for added safety. The only exception is if you’re riding with a friend or in an UberXL or Lyft XL vehicle with multiple rows.
Share Trip Details with a Friend
Let a friend know you’re taking a rideshare and share details like the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and your route. Set up location sharing so your friend can see your trip progress in real-time. This way, someone is aware if an issue arises.
Buckle Up
Florida law requires all rideshare passengers to wear seatbelts. Buckling up protects you in the event of a collision or unsafe driving maneuver. Don’t sit in the front seat if the vehicle doesn’t have airbags.
Avoid Distracting the Driver
Drivers need to focus on the road to get you to your destination safely. Avoid loud music, heated conversations, or other distracting behavior during your trip. If the driver seems agitated or upset, end the ride early and wait for another driver.
Watch Your Belongings
Keep your purse, phone, wallet and other valuables with you at all times. Never leave belongings behind in a rideshare vehicle. Also, avoid sharing too much personal information with your driver beyond basic pleasantries.
Use Your Intuition
Trust your instincts during a rideshare trip. If you start to feel unsafe or uncomfortable for any reason, you can end the ride early through the app. You can also call 911 from anywhere in the US by using the Uber or Lyft emergency buttons.
Report Safety Issues
Notify Uber or Lyft immediately if your driver made you feel unsafe in any way. Provide them with details so they can take appropriate actions for the safety of other passengers. Leaving feedback helps improve platforms for everyone.
Avoid High-Risk Situations
Take extra precautions at night or if you’ve been drinking. Ride with a friend or use the higher priced Uber Black or Lyft Lux options which have professional drivers and newer model cars. Also, avoid pool/shared rides with strangers.
Consider Alternatives
Sometimes alternatives like public transit or traditional taxis may be safer options, especially late at night or if you’ll be waiting in an isolated area. Use your best judgment on which rideshare service or mode of transport feels safest.
Stay Vigilant at Pickup/Drop-Off
Pay attention to your surroundings when getting picked up and dropped off in case of any suspicious activity. Don’t linger alone waiting for or after exiting a rideshare. Have your keys ready when you are near home and get inside quickly.
Review Passenger Resources
Uber and Lyft offer safety tips and resources specifically for passengers. Review them so you’re aware of all the tools available, like the emergency buttons and trip tracking. Enable push notifications so you never miss an alert.
Document Issues Promptly
If you encounter any safety problems during a rideshare trip, document details through photos, videos, voice memos, or written notes. This creates a record you can provide to authorities and strengthens any potential legal case down the road.
Trust Your Instincts
Don’t hesitate to speak up or take action if something seems wrong. Ending a trip early or reporting a driver is better than staying silent and risking harm. Go with your gut feeling and do what’s necessary to stay safe.
By following these rideshare safety tips, passengers in Florida can feel confident using services like Uber and Lyft. However, no platform is 100% safe. If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s negligence, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free case review. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Florida, Mississippi, and Ohio, our nationwide team has helped thousands recover damages after rideshare accidents and injuries. Let us review your case at no cost and discuss your options for pursuing maximum compensation. Reach us anytime at (888) 477-0597.