Companies like Uber, Lyft, and others have changed the game when it comes to the gig economy, the taxi industry, and, of course, just getting around in general. For most of us passengers, these ridesharing companies offer an increase in convenience, especially in California where public transport is not entirely dependable.
Besides the convenience issue, rideshare companies also offer us all a safe alternative to driving while under the influence. When all you need is an app, there’s no excuse to be made for having to drive drunk. And for anyone out feeling unsafe or stranded, a ride home is easy to find.
The only question becomes, how safe are the rideshares themselves? Who are you really getting into the car with, and what assurances do you have for your safety? Before anyone heard of Lyft, the idea of hitchhiking, or getting in a stranger’s car, was already widely regarded as an extremely risky thing to do.
We have all heard about the terrifying murder of Samantha Josephson, known as the “fake Uber” case. The young woman got into a car, imagining it was her ride, but the man behind the wheel was not her driver. Her body was later found and the man was convicted for her murder.
While this tragedy is obviously the worst-case scenario when it comes to rideshare use, it does raise a good point about safety. Let’s look at some tips for staying secure when you hail a rideshare car.
The first thing people look for, when they are alerted about their driver arriving, is to take a look at the license plate. Make sure to read the entire number, you don’t want to be mistaken because of two cars with similar plates. Check the photo and the name of your driver. Ask them their name and do not be the first person who mentions it. This way they can not pretend to be the person you are looking for. Also, make sure no one else is in the car if you have not selected a “pool” or “group” option for your ride.
Take a screenshot of your order confirmation, route, and destination. Send it to someone you trust or someone expecting you. It’s a good idea to share your estimated arrival time too, so someone will be aware if you are late or missing.
Even though a lot of us call a car after we have had some drinks, it is a good idea to pay as much attention as possible to your ride. After you are safely in the right car, keep watch over the route on your rideshare or maps app. If you notice any deviation, don’t be afraid to ask what is happening. And make sure you get a sensible answer that leaves you feeling confident in your safety.
Don’t hesitate to call the police if you feel in danger. If you look back after the fact and feel you were not treated properly, reach out to the authorities and an attorney experienced in rideshare cases.
blogs
Car Specific Repair Issues: When to Invoke California’s Lemon Laws and How RS Laws Can Help
Car specific problems are the leading cause of recalls by most automakers and dealers globally. Last year, for instance, over 20,000 units of Volkswagen Golf MK.8 were recalled because of a software bug. Earlier this year, Volvo stated that they were planning to issue a recall for some of their cars. How do such car […]
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Defensive Driving Courses in California
Driving is one of those things most learn as a teenager and then never really think about again. Most people don’t realize that driving classes are not just helpful for continuing your driving knowledge, they are also applicable for many practical situations as well. Let’s look at some of the benefits of defensive driving courses, […]
Winter Slip and Fall Accident Tips
Whether your winter is cold and snowy or just plain cold, winter is a time when slipand fall accidents are increasingly likely. Cold, wind, ice and snow are problems on their own and when they combine, it’s a perfect storm of injury possibilities. Typically, these conditions result in bruises and bumps, but there’s always the […]
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a traffic accident than people inside passenger cars. In fact, they are 28 times more likely, due to a number of factors, including things like potential low visibility from the blind spots of other vehicles around them. Motorcycles are also most likely to be involved in collisions with […]
4 Common Mistakes that Ruin Workers Compensation Claims
Thousands of workers are injured annually while at the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one worker succumbed to workplace injuries every 99 minutes in 2019, while over 99,000 others retained non-fatal injuries. Despite the prevalence of workplace injuries and the increasing number of workers compensation claims, only a few victims are usually […]
Commercial Truck Accidents
While it may not seem like it, there are bigger differences when dealing with a truck accident than just the size of the vehicle. Although they are well insured, companies with commercial trucks will fire back at you with a whole legal team to avoid paying out for damage, injury, or even death. This is […]
Five Products for Increased Pedestrian Safety
While pedestrians typically have the right of way in most places, that doesn’t automatically make everyone around you a better or safer driver. As pedestrians, we have to activelypractice safety in order to make sure that we are the ones most responsible for our personal safety. Staying aware of our surroundings is always step number […]
The Car Crash and the Headache
As we slip into the cooler months, and there is more possibility of rain, it is important to keep safe on the road. Accidents happen, especially when it is raining out there in the desert. You know how to be safe – taking extra time on slippery surfaces, making sure you have your car inspected […]
contact form
