Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel. These services offer convenient, affordable, and readily available transportation in cities like Reno to help you get to your destination. When using a rideshare service, it is important to always consider your safety. Here at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our Reno personal injury lawyer offers some essential Reno rideshare safety tips to help keep you safe while using these services.
Top Reno Rideshare Safety Tips
1) Understand the Risks
Before using a rideshare service, do some research to determine which one to use. Familiarize yourself with the different apps. Learn how they operate, how to recognize normal driver behavior, and how to access safety features within each app. Always be aware of the possible dangers and challenges that can arise when using rideshare services.
2) Verify Your Driver’s Identity
Before entering any rideshare vehicle, it’s crucial to verify the identity of your driver. Always double-check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number on the app against what is presented to you. This simple step ensures that you are getting into the right car with the right driver. The driver should also confirm your name as well.
3) Share Your Trip
Sharing your trip with a friend or family member is one of the most important Reno rideshare safety tips. When you’re using a rideshare service, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and share your trip. Both the Lyft and Uber apps have options that allow the passenger to share their locations via GPS. Whoever you share your trip with will receive a notification to follow along and will have your current location.
4) Wait for Your Ride in a Safe Location
When requesting a ride, choose well-lit and populated areas as your pickup location. Avoid secluded or dimly lit spots while you wait. If you’re out with friends, ask one of them to wait with you until your driver has arrived.
5) Be Aware of Your Surroundings
This Reno rideshare safety tip is especially important if you’re in an unfamiliar location. If you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft while you’re out of town, use your GPS to follow along to make sure your driver is taking the correct route. On the other hand, if you’re using a rideshare service in a place you are familiar with, tell your driver where you want them to go. If you ever feel uncomfortable or sense something is amiss, trust your instincts and consider ending the ride in a safe location.
6) Don’t Reveal Personal Information
It’s fine to have a casual conversation with your driver. However, do not reveal any personal information, such as your full name, phone number, etc. Avoid sharing specific details about your location or schedule with the driver. Maintain a level of vagueness when discussing work, home, and social plans.
7) Sit in the Back Seat
For your own personal space and safety, always sit in the back seat when riding in an Uber or Lyft. Sitting in the back seat provides a buffer zone between you and the driver, as well as helps maintain some privacy.
8) Wear a Seatbelt
Along with sitting in the back seat, wearing a seatbelt is another way to stay safe. Just like in any other vehicle, always remember to fasten your seatbelt when riding in an Uber or Lyft. Seatbelts are a fundamental safety feature that can significantly reduce the risk of injury during a Reno auto collision.
9) Rate, Report, and Provide Feedback
After each ride, take the time to rate the driver and provide feedback through the rideshare app. In case of any concerns or issues, don’t hesitate to report them to the rideshare company and, if necessary, to local law enforcement. Be specific and report any harmful behaviors your driver might have engaged in, like distracted driving. Doing so will help promote safety in the local rideshare community.
Contact a Reno Rideshare Accidents Lawyer
We hope everyone who uses a rideshare service in Reno stays safe and arrives at their destination unharmed. By following these Reno rideshare safety tips, you can help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for yourself, other passengers, and drivers. Even if you follow these Reno rideshare safety tips, accidents are still possible. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, our Reno rideshare accident lawyer can help you possibly recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 775-644-4444, via LiveChat or contact form. Consultations are free and we do not charge any legal fees until monies have been recovered on your behalf. Our legal team gets results. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.