Jason Stephens | April 6, 2023 | Personal Injury
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can make navigating Fort Worth much easier. Whether you’re enjoying a night out on the town or just in town for the weekend, a rideshare can be a convenient way to get around. But before you hop into your next rideshare, it’s best to follow a few basic Uber safety tips.
Getting into a car with a stranger always carries some risk, but using a few precautions can help you stay safe when taking an Uber or Lyft in Fort Worth. Read on to discover what you should do to stay safe during a rideshare.
Stay Inside
One of the first steps you can take to stay safe during your Uber or Lyft ride is to stay inside while you order your ride. Standing outside staring at your phone, especially at night, can make it harder to remain aware of your surroundings. Only go outside once your ride arrives, and proceed straight to the car.
Let Someone Know About Your Ride
It’s also a good idea to let a loved one know you’re planning to take a rideshare before your driver arrives. Tell them the name of your driver, their license plate, and what make and model car they drive. It’s also a good idea to let them know when your driver arrives, how long your trip should take, and when you arrive.
Check Your Ride
Once you get to the car, don’t get in right away. Instead, it’s best to check that the person who pulled up is, in fact, the driver who’s supposed to be picking you up. Before you get into the car, check the license plate on the car and make sure it matches the license plate on your app.
It’s also a good idea to ask your driver what their name is before you get in the car. Don’t ask, “Is your name ___?” – a predator could lie and simply answer “Yes.” Instead, ask, “What’s your name?” and make sure it matches the name that shows on your app.
Even after you’ve confirmed who your driver is, it’s best to ask for one additional confirmation. Ask your driver to confirm your name before you step into the vehicle. If they say the right name, you’ll know they did, in fact, pick your ticket up through the rideshare app.
Sit in the Back Seat
Now that you’re ready to get in the car, try to avoid sitting in the front seat. Even if you’re riding by yourself, sitting in the back is a little safer than sitting up front. Sitting in the back means you have two means of escape should it come down to it, and it makes you harder to access for drivers who may have ill intent.
It’s also a good idea to check that you can open the car doors from the inside before the car pulls away.
Always Wear a Seatbelt
While protecting yourself from unscrupulous drivers is important, you also need to think about the dangers any car travel can pose. Every year, Fort Worth experiences more than 14,000 crashes, 119 of which prove to be fatal. Seat belts can help keep you safer in the event of a crash, and you should always wear one when in a rideshare.
Protect Your Personal Information
While you’re en route, it can be nice to make small talk with your driver. But it’s best to avoid giving them personal details about yourself. For instance, avoid telling them why you’re going to your destination, especially if it’s your home. And try to avoid telling them specifics of where you work, if you have children, or other identifying information.
Track Your Route
The other thing to pay attention to during your trip is where your driver is going. If you’re familiar with the area, keep an eye on the route you’re taking and make sure your driver doesn’t veer off course without good reason. If you’re in an unfamiliar area, watch the route map on your app and make sure your driver stays on course.
Trust Your Gut
Perhaps the best thing you can do to stay safe during a rideshare is to trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or off about your driver, make them stop the car and get out if you’re in a safe area. If you’re in an unsafe area or if the situation feels urgent, don’t be afraid to call 911.
Don’t worry about seeming rude, overreacting, or being unreasonable if your gut tells you something is wrong. Your life and safety are far more important than seeming polite.
Get Compensation for Your Injuries
Taking a few safety precautions can help you enjoy a safe Uber or Lyft ride. Stay inside when ordering the ride, and make sure to let a loved one know about your trip before your driver arrives. Check that the driver who shows up is, in fact, who is supposed to be picking you up, and always wear a seat belt during the ride.
If you are hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fort Worth, you could be entitled to compensation. Our lawyers can help you take on the insurance companies and get the money you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000