Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services allow you to reach your destination without driving yourself. If you want to avoid looking for a parking spot, navigating traffic and the other mundane tasks that come with driving your own vehicle, taking a rideshare is a fantastic choice. But as accident injury attorneys in St Clair County, Illinois, we know that when people understand the risks they make better decisions.
You do not want your trip to end in a disaster, though. After all, if your rideshare driver has an accident, you may sustain serious injuries. You may also experience property damage. While acting quickly to receive compensation from whoever caused the accident is important, you would likely rather avoid an injury altogether. Here are three suggestions for staying safe during your next Uber or Lyft ride:
1. Be careful getting into the vehicle
Rideshare drivers often stop their vehicles in the roadway, making it dangerous for you to climb inside the car. Further, waiting in a busy road for your ride to arrive may put your life in jeopardy. As such, try to wait for your rideshare in a busy, well-lit place. Also, never try to get into the car without first examining your surroundings.
2. Wear your seatbelt
Seatbelts save lives. Unfortunately, though, many rear-seat passengers neglect to buckle up when taking a rideshare. If you want to arrive at your destination safely, always wear your seatbelt.
3. Confirm your ride
There are countless vehicles on the road at any given time. If you do not want to climb into the wrong car, you should confirm basic details of your ride when you are still in a safe place. Check for the vehicle’s make, model and color. Also, look at the license plate and compare it to the notification on your smartphone. Finally, ask the driver his or her name.
Riding in any vehicle can be dangerous. If you choose to take an Uber or Lyft, though, you must be aware of additional hazards. With a bit of care, you can likely enjoy your rideshare without worrying about sustaining a serious injury.
