Ubering it Safely: Staying Safe During the Holidays with Ride-Sharing

Ridesharing Uber Lyft
Ridesharing Uber Lyft

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may already be contributing to safer roadways.  Ridesharing services offer affordable, safe transportation that is likely cutting down on drunk driving-related fatalities.

According to an Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) study conducted with individuals under age 30, drunk driving crashes dropped over 6% in markets where Uber operates in California.  Moreover, the study revealed that nearly 80% of respondents said friends were likely to take ridesharing services rather than driving home after drinking.[1]

Uber and Lyft take safety seriously; both companies require drivers to go through a complete background check.  But if you are wondering what else you should do to ensure the safety of your Uber or Lyft ride this holiday season, follow these important recommendations.

General Safety Recommendations for Ridesharing

  • Check the license plate and the car make and model against the information displayed on your app. Make sure there is a match or don’t get in the vehicle.
  • Ask for the driver’s name and make sure it’s a match with your Smartphone app.
  • Stay alert so you can keep an eye on yourself, your friends, and your belongings.
  • Stay away from the front seat so you can keep a safe distance from the driver.
  • Keep in touch with a close friend or family member using a charged cell phone. Send him or her the car and driver information, your destination, and anything important about the route.
  • Use the driver rating system to view scores and to provide feedback after the ride.
  • Trust your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, don’t get in the vehicle.
  • When using ridesharing services after a large event, find out if there is an official rideshare pick-up lot, making it easier to find your ride.

How to Handle Your Teen and Ridesharing

  • Decide in advance how to handle situations when your teen plans to use a rideshare service. Technically, teens under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
  • Make sure that teens taking a ridesharing service send you a picture of the car and license plate. You can monitor the car with a Smartphone app.
  • Talk with your teen to make sure he or she understands that the Uber driver is a stranger and to be cautious around him or her. Don’t assume he or she is your next buddy.
  • Recommend that your teen travel with friends or family; never alone.

With the holidays approaching, you may even want to consider purchasing an Uber or Lyft gift card as a stocking stuffer.  Ridesharing gift cards will be available at CVS, Target, Walmart, and Starbuck’s in time for the holidays.

Taking Lyft or Uber is a smart, cost-effective way to get home, especially after a night on the town with friends or family.  However you plan to use Lyft or Uber this holiday season, be sure to take a few minutes to review the aforementioned tips with your loved ones so you can all enjoy a safe and joyful season. 

If you or a loved one was involved in a ridesharing incident or a vehicle accident, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. may be able to help.  Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com

Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.

Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.  The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work.  Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury.  For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.

[1] http://www.madd.org/media-center/press-releases/2015/new-report-from-madd-uber.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/