The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the lives of millions of Americans. Many people rely on Lyft, Uber, and taxi drivers to get to and from stores. Additionally, many “gig economy” workers need to drive in order to make ends meet.
To help make sure you stay safe during this unpredictable time, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has put together a list of tips for coronavirus safety for rideshare and taxi drivers. By taking additional precautions, you can lower the risk of getting COVID-19 and avoid getting into a taxi or rideshare accident.
Essential Tips for Coronavirus Safety for Rideshare and Taxi Drivers
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend social distancing, rideshare and taxi drivers do not have this option. They will be in close proximity to many people during transport. However, there are many things drivers can do to mitigate the risk of contracting the coronavirus that leads to COVID-19. These things include:
- Washing your hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
- Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content if you’re unable to wash your hands
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow or forearm instead of your hands
- Asking passengers to sit in the back seat
- Having tissues and hand sanitizer available for your passengers
- Avoiding the handling of money
- Using nitrile gloves if you must collect money from a passenger (one pair per transaction)
- Disinfecting your vehicle between passengers
While these steps might seem excessive and will certainly lower the amount of passengers that can be serviced per hour, proactive steps are necessary at this time. It is, after all, better to make less money now than to contract a sickness that will be expensive to treat, both in terms of time and money.
Alternatives to Rideshare Driving
Some Lyft, Uber, and taxi drivers might want to avoid passenger contact completely. While this is understandable, it does not necessarily eliminate their ability to make money. There are some alternatives at this time, which include the delivery of food, groceries, and medical supplies. Some business that require delivery drivers include:
- Local groceries
- Local restaurants
- Local drugstores
- Amazon
- Postmates
- UberEats
- Doordash
- Grubhub
- Shipt
- Instacart
If you’re uncomfortable with passenger contact, but would still like to drive for money, then contact these businesses as soon as possible. Not only will you be able to earn money, but you’ll also be helping local businesses stay afloat, while delivering much-needed goods to your community.
Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys
The staff at Lerner and Rowe hopes that you found these tips for coronavirus safety for rideshare and taxi drivers helpful. We hope that you stay healthy during this troubling time.
Should you get into a car accident through no fault of your own while transporting passengers or goods, please contact us for immediate assistance. Dealing with insurance companies as a rideshare driver can be difficult. Our team or experienced attorneys can help make sure that you get the highest compensation possible for your accident.
You can contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys 24/7 by phone at 844-977-1900 and through the Internet via LiveChat or secure online form. Please stay safe and well.