How to Be Safer When Using an Uber

Uber is supposed to be the safer option: better, for example, than attempting to drive drunk in an unfamiliar city. Unfortunately, many people are skeptical about Uber rides–and with good reason. Fake drivers are out there–and they know how to convince you that they are, in fact, your Uber driver and that they’re there to pick you up. Try some of these strategies to stay safer.

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Driver

Before you get into the Uber, double check to make sure that you have the driver that the app says is coming to get you. The app provides a lot of information about your driver’s vehicle, including the make, model, and license plate number of their car. The driver won’t be offended if you walk around the car or check them out before you get in. You’re just keeping yourself and everyone in your party safer!

2. Buckle Up

Any time you get into a moving vehicle, you need to be buckled in. Uber vehicles are no different from other passenger vehicles: they provide no extra protection against an accident, nor does the driver receive extra training about avoiding accidents or keeping their passengers safe. Buckle up as soon as you get in the car.

3. Pay Attention

You’ve paid the Uber driver to get you safely to your destination. To many passengers, this means you can simply turn your attention to your phone or your friends. After all, your driver has GPS and knows the area. They don’t need your input to get there.

Paying attention, however, can let you know if any red flags are being raised. Is the driver taking the wrong route or headed toward a place you don’t recognize? Is the ride taking far longer than it should have? Is the driver displaying signs of erratic behavior? By paying attention, you can increase the odds that you’ll notice a problem before it leads to serious danger.

4. Know When to End the Ride

If you call for an Uber, you always have the right to cancel or end the ride–even in the middle of it. You can end your ride early for any reason. If you feel unsafe, the driver is behaving erratically, or your gut is telling you to get out of the car, trust your instincts. This is particularly true if you notice your driver speeding, driving distracted, or ignoring traffic laws. If you end the ride, you can request another driver to take you the rest of the way to your destination or use an alternate form of transportation to get there. It may take a little longer, but if you feel unsafe, it’s not worth taking the risk.

5. Leave Reviews

Did you get in an Uber with a driver who did not behave safely behind the wheel? Did they drive distracted, appear to be drunk, ignore traffic laws, or do something that made you uncomfortable? Leave a review! Not only does Uber seriously consider these reviews and check over them on a regular basis–in some cases, leading to the removal of drivers from their pool–your review can also help other riders decide when to avoid a driver who could cause a danger to them. While those reviews can’t always prevent accidents or ensure safety, they can help prevent someone else from having a bad experience.

Did you suffer injuries from an Uber driver, in spite of your best efforts to be safe? Do you need legal help to get the compensation you deserve after an accident? Contact us today to learn how we can help.