End the ride if you’re not comfortable, as long as you’re in a safe place to exit and find another ride. Follow these 3 simple steps on... Our Door-to-Door Safety … Pin 3. Before you can learn how to use the Uber app, you need to download it. Tweet. Uber also announced this spring that it allocated $50 million to supplying drivers with masks, disinfectant sprays/wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves. Make sure that you're getting … Recent reports show Uber has double the market share compared to Lyft, so it wasn’t surprising when 82 percent of the women surveyed said they use Uber more than its main competitor. Emily is an experienced writer passionate about covering topics at the intersection of tech, health, safety and humanity. At Safety.com your privacy is very important to us. Like other safety measures, this effort should be reinforced with additional precautions.). Megan Reed. Bravender advises families to follow the rules but notes that the conversation about ride-share safety should begin before age 18. He offered more advice for passengers of all ages. That means your rides will hopefully have sanitizer and wipes in the back seat for convenient use. Remember that there is no legitimate reason to give your driver a direct payment. At 2:50am on a Sunday morning in February, I got into an Uber – a taxi ordered via the ride-hailing app of the same name. Taxi drivers, on the other hand, typically expect at least a 15 percent tip at the time of payment. However, all vehicles and situations are different. The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews … Both Uber and Lyft have added safety measures amid the coronavirus outbreak, including requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks. Trust your instincts: Use your best judgment when … Pals can even watch your journey on a map in real-time, using the Uber app. Uber’s app features a 24-hour toll-free passenger support contact that can be accessed through the Help menu or by clicking on the safety shield – bottom right. “Simply telling the driver that you actually care about safety can make a big difference in how safely he or she drives with you as a passenger,” Attorney Willis points out. Distracted driving can also be a huge problem – your driver should not make calls or fiddle with their phone, even if it’s hands-free. Use the 24/7 customer support . No ride. People are more likely to commit crimes when they think they’re not going to get caught, so give some indication that people are looking out for you. Is it safe for me to get an Über there and back at night as a female alone? Accordingly, we have developed this policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. And, Uber is definitely safer than using public transportation because the car comes directly to the person. Do your part to help cull problematic drivers from the pool. Make sure their personal appearance matches their profile photo. The public safety campaign follows the death of Samantha Josephson, a 21-year-old student who was killed last weekend after getting into a car she mistook for her Uber, the police said. Wear a face covering. Please let us know what happened by sharing details that will help us … While it is possible to use Uber without a smartphone, using the Uber app is far more convenient. Uber also announced this spring that it allocated $50 million to supplying drivers with masks, disinfectant sprays/wipes, hand sanitizer, and gloves. Contact Uber or Taxify to report drivers should you experience any harassment on your trip. If a rider and driver need to contact each other, the Uber app automatically anonymizes both phone numbers to protect everyone’s privacy. Muhammad Rahim has had to talk his wife into letting their teenage daughter use Uber. *The safety fees Uber and Lyft charge go toward driver background checks, vehicle inspections and other safety initiatives. Berry College. If you were sketched out by anything that happened during your ride, don’t hesitate to report it. Uber’s rating system is carefully maintained to promote good drivers and provide them with more business. If you feel safer in the front seat, a good driver shouldn’t mind if you sit there. Before getting in the car, read these 7 safety tips. Finally, always follow local guidelines, and don't leave home to travel—even via Uber—if you're sick or have been exposed to someone who's sick. Since apps will tell you exactly where your driver is, you only need to go out and meet them at the last possible minute. Reasons For Needing To Use Uber “By 2035, there will be 78.0 million people 65 years and older.” United States Census Bureau (2018) While one could argue that the rate of these incidents seems relatively low given the volume of rideshare use, it’s also true that these tragedies are somewhat preventable and their occurrence can and should be minimized through intentional thought, action and policy. If anything seems “off” about your driver, car, route or anything else, speak up. These efforts were applauded by the National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths. Tego is a free app that also tracks walks and rides with optional video recording, while The Nimb Ring is a smart ring that conceals a panic button. Uber has also launched a similar checklist for riders to confirm they've taken proper precautions (face mask, hand washing, etc.) Because a) it's the rules, and b) why not?RELATED: Gas Stations (and Your Car) Are Germ City—Here's How to Stay Safe and Clean on the Road, In alignment with both CDC and WHO preventive health guidelines, Uber now requires all riders to wear a face mask or cover during their trip. University of South Carolina and the family of Samantha Josephson are spearheading the #WhatsMyName campaign to promote rideshare safety by always positively identifying your driver. Both Uber and Lyft have added safety measures amid the coronavirus outbreak, including requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks.. *The safety fees Uber and Lyft charge go toward driver background checks, vehicle inspections and other safety initiatives. For one, if your ride has suddenly stopped and for a period of time, Uber may initiate a “Ride Check” to both the driver and rider. Air out your ride. Uber and Lyft both conduct reviews of drivers’ motor vehicle records and criminal records, but it’s important to understand that people with no previous record may still participate in dangerous behavior. © Copyright 2021, 10 Virtual Games to Play When You Can't Be Together, A Guide for How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home, 13 Air Fryer Recipes That Are *Almost* Too Good to Be True, Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaners to Tackle Every Stain, The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Etiquette in Every Situation, From Restaurants to Hair Salons, 9 Hair Color Trends Experts Predict for 2021, PowerPoint Parties Are the Socially Distant Party Trend You Have to Try: Here’s How to Host One, citizens consider more summer travel options, car travel is quickly becoming a preferred mode of transportation, Gas Stations (and Your Car) Are Germ City—Here's How to Stay Safe and Clean on the Road, You're Probably Making These 7 Hand-Washing Mistakes—Here's What to Do Instead, How to Handle Vacation Plans During COVID-19. Before you can learn how to use the Uber app, you need to download it. (The Ready to Ride Safety Checklist should ask you to confirm this before your trip starts.). He offered more advice for passengers of all ages. All you’ll need are the following: A smartphone capable of running the Uber … For that reason we feel it pertinent to run over some safety tips that you should make use of, should you be making use of Uber. To the point that Uber drivers will not pick you up in areas where there are taxis (hotels, popular tourist areas, etc). How much should you tip your hairdresser? For Rides Uber uses your device's location services to make it easier to get a safe, reliable ride whenever you need one. If they’re your actual driver, they will also know your destination. You must also match the make, model and license plate of the car to what’s listed in the app. She recommends reminding the driver to proceed safely and lawfully before the ride starts. The health status of your driver. Both apps now have an in-app panic button to call 911. Wait for your ride in a safe place. It’s nice to get a helping hand with your bags, but these are exceptional times. Here's how to mitigate those risks. As Americans gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July, Uber wants to ensure safety and sanitation continue to be front and center for anyone taking rides to and from their respective holiday weekend destinations. There is strength in numbers and you can split the cost to boot. 5 Safety Tips for Using Lyft and Uber. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. And, Uber is definitely safer than using public transportation because the car comes directly to the person. This week, both Lyft and Uber announced new methods of making their transportation services safer for drivers and riders. Since proper air circulation helps dramatically reduce the transmission of a virus, the CDC has also encouraged people to “increase ventilation by opening windows,” while at home. During high-demand times, rates for ride shares can go sky-high. Uber is an on-demand and cashless car service that allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to request rides from private drivers. 10 Tips for Staying Safe with Online Dating, 10 Campus Safety Tips for College Students, 5 Free Online Tools to Check Neighborhood Safety, Best Smart Devices For Saving Money & Energy, http://www.businessofapps.com/data/uber-statistics/, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/slain-south-carolina-college-student-may-have-mistaken-suspect-s-n989251, https://www.mynbc5.com/article/woman-jumps-from-speeding-car-to-escape-man-who-posed-as-her-uber-driver/23088758, https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/03/fake-uber-driver-61-took-pictures-of-unconscious-young-women-in-tuscaloosa-authorities-say.html, https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/fake-uber-driver-scam-406372005.html, https://money.cnn.com/2018/04/30/technology/uber-driver-sexual-assault/index.html, https://people.com/crime/samantha-josephson-boyfriend-tracked-her-fatal-ride/, https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/safety/tips/, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/uber-unveils-new-safety-measures-wake-college-student-s-murder-n995611, https://www.nsc.org/in-the-newsroom/communications-improvements-rolled-out-by-uber-and-lyft, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/4380.htm, https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231154408.html, How to Prevent Identity Theft on College Campuses. Wear your seatbelt, don’t distract the driver or ask them to do anything dangerous. Although Uber and Lyft prohibit unaccompanied minors, 1 in 8 parents polled said their children ages 14 to 17 had still used the services. Since apps will tell you exactly where your driver is, you only need … Crack a window. ... Matthew Feeney is a policy analyst with the Cato Institute who has researched the safety of services such as Uber. 6.Use the ratings wisely. We’re actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are... Wash Wear Air. Make yourself less vulnerable with these insights and tips. Close the distance with fun games you can play from the comfort of separate homes. Does Ridesharing Reduce Drunk Driving Incidents? Now, as parts of the country start to reopen little by little—and citizens consider more summer travel options—the rideshare service remains dedicated to keeping riders and drivers as safe as possible. before riding. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes and you can also follow along on the app. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. Made with products you probably have on hand. Share 40. Washing hands—thoroughly and properly—is one of the easiest, most obvious ways to kill the spread of germs we can pick up from touching pretty much anything, from our own noses to car door handles. January 24th, 2019 by thomasjhenry. Last week, Samantha Josephson, a 21-year … While it is possible to use Uber without a smartphone, using the Uber app is far more convenient. Wear a face cover or mask. Credit: We are here now and use it. Uber recommends passengers avoid taking the front seat to provide enough space between them and the driver (and peace of mind for both). Ride-sharing services have become popular options among travelers in the United States and across the globe. “The technology proactively checks in with riders and drivers to see if everything is OK, and the app provides tools that they can use to get help, if needed,” Uber’s safety report reads. RELATED: How to Handle Vacation Plans During COVID-19. Long story, short? Though the vast majority of Uber and Lyft drivers are safe, courteous and competent, several incidents have occurred during the last year that have called into question the safety of the services. To address those concerns, ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft are implementing new safety guidelines for all users. Safety Tips: for Using Uber or Lyft. Recent reports show Uber has double the market share compared to Lyft, so it wasn’t surprising when 82 percent of the women surveyed said they use Uber more than its main competitor. This way you aren’t waiting outside alone and you can tell when your ride is safely at the designated meeting point. Since proper air circulation helps dramatically reduce the transmission of a virus, … In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Uber is sharing top rideshare safety tips, which you can also find within your app's COVID-19 resource hub.Riders and drivers alike need to do their part to keep themselves, each other, and their fellow citizens out of harm's way. In fact, whether you’re using Uber or Bolt, heed these tips. 43 Shares. When you get out, exit away from traffic, and make sure not to open the door into cyclists, pedestrians or other vehicles. TIA. For one, if your ride has suddenly stopped and for a period of time, Uber may initiate a “Ride Check” to both the driver and rider. For example, the iWitness app ($3 per month, free trial available) turns your phone into a mini security system, with a security camera, alarm and emergency 911 calling just a tap or shake away. RELATED: You're Probably Making These 7 Hand-Washing Mistakes—Here's What to Do Instead. Throughout the more severe lockdown measures of this past spring, Uber was adamant about encouraging users to stay home—off the app and off the road—in order to help curb the spread of COVID-19. As the days get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these good books to read in winter. How to use Uber … Now, apps like Uber and Lyft facilitate over 14 million rides daily, and there’s some inherent degree of risk in every ride. ), You've heard this before, and it's not going away. Safety officials recommend 4 tips for using Uber. There is no waiting on a bus stop corner or sidewalk, exposed to the weather and potential crime. The best way to retaliate is by leaving him a low rating on the app after your ride is over or filing a complaint with Uber. Here are some safety tips for passengers when using a ride-share service: 1. If the driver-partner doesn’t confirm your own name, ask them who they are picking up. Immediately notify police and paramedics if necessary. Wait until the car is somewhere out of harm’s way before you attempt to get in. So read and adopt these five easy, no-brainer safety precautions before hopping in an Uber this summer. Users can access Uber officials any time of the day to report potential issues or concerns about drivers and the service, which the safety teams will then investigate. Using the Rating System Can Help Other Passengers. Make a phone call and tell someone that you’re on an Uber. In addition, riders have grounds to cancel a trip if their Uber driver isn't wearing one. Be a good passenger. In a large car or shared ride, try to choose a seat with easy access to the door, a good vantage point of the driver and the road ahead, and courteous distance between other passengers. Taxicab drivers hate Uber because Uber undercuts their fees by up to 50 percent, but this, of course, is one reason riders love using Uber.Plus, Uber drivers don't require tips and can't pressure you for them; as mentioned, you can add them later in the app. Uber Driver Safety. Once you’ve taken a ride with them, you need to rate your driver (out of five stars) before you’re allowed to book your next ride. The suggested maximum number of … How to use Uber’s safety features. Sources:http://www.businessofapps.com/data/uber-statistics/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/slain-south-carolina-college-student-may-have-mistaken-suspect-s-n989251https://www.mynbc5.com/article/woman-jumps-from-speeding-car-to-escape-man-who-posed-as-her-uber-driver/23088758https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/03/fake-uber-driver-61-took-pictures-of-unconscious-young-women-in-tuscaloosa-authorities-say.htmlhttps://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/fake-uber-driver-scam-406372005.htmlhttps://money.cnn.com/2018/04/30/technology/uber-driver-sexual-assault/index.htmlhttps://www.whatsmyname.org/safetytipshttps://people.com/crime/samantha-josephson-boyfriend-tracked-her-fatal-ride/https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/safety/tips/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/uber-unveils-new-safety-measures-wake-college-student-s-murder-n995611https://www.nsc.org/in-the-newsroom/communications-improvements-rolled-out-by-uber-and-lyfthttps://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/4380.htmhttps://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231154408.html. A script like this might help: “Hey mom, just calling to let you know that I’m in my Uber now. Both of the companies have also said they are … The good news is, like many other companies, ride-share businesses are adapting to a post-COVID world.Many of them are aware that drivers and riders alike are worried about their safety. The app informed me I would be home in 26 minutes, but I wasn’t. Getty Images, 5 Common-Sense Safety Rules to Follow When Traveling by Uber. Real Simple may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on Uber has introduced a Coronavirus Resources & Updates page on its website where drivers and customers can stay informed. 5 Safety Tips for Using Lyft and Uber. Request your ride inside. Continue reading 8 Safety Tips When Using Uber or Lyft from Style Me Tactical here. 1. And of course, background checks can’t prevent people from posing as legitimate drivers. Keep the windows of your Uber open during your trip for better circulation. Answer 1 of 4: I’m going to be staying around the Randburg area for one night and want to go to a gig at Rumours RockCity. Knowing car travel is quickly becoming a preferred mode of transportation this summer amid the pandemic, Uber recently announced that all riders are required to wear a face mask or cover during trips, among other preventive recommendations. As awkward as it may feel, distance between people remains key. Is It Safe To Take An Uber, Lyft Or Taxi During Coronavirus? Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. The most unsettling experience of my life cost me £34.75. When thinking about safety, you may be primarily considering the riders you’ll be transporting, but in actuality, one of the biggest dangers of rideshare driving can come from the drivers themselves. The following outlines our privacy policy. Be smart and considerate during all upcoming trips. Users can also request a call-back to speak directly with Uber’s Global Incident Response Team if necessary. Bravender advises families to follow the rules but notes that the conversation about ride-share safety should begin before age 18. Uber’s main safety feature depends on mandatory ratings for every trip. It can be reached through a section of the app called the Safety Center. Request your ride while you’re still inside and remain in an area that is well lit, comfortable and in the presence of other people for as long as possible. All you’ll need are the following: A smartphone capable of running the Uber app (most smartphones are capable of this) A working phone number and email address What about your food-delivery person? “There have been many catastrophic injury and death cases caused by distractions while using Bluetooth phone connections,” she says. You can … How to use Uber’s safety features. Request Your Ride While Inside. As a passenger, … 4 tips for staying safe while using Uber 1. 79 percent said safety … Use these tips to maximize ride safety. Contact your local lawmakers to voice support for these issues. Simply hit “Share trip status” in Uber or “Share route” in Lyft. Although Uber and Lyft prohibit unaccompanied minors, 1 in 8 parents polled said their children ages 14 to 17 had still used the services. Both Lyft and Uber have in-app trip sharing features that allow you to share live updates on your trip with trusted friends. If you can, lift and load your own belongings to reduce the risk of exposure for both you and your driver. With a friend, do it to cancel a trip if their Uber driver is n't one... T hesitate to report it anything else, speak up 're Probably making these 7 Hand-Washing Mistakes—Here 's What do. The app literal war between taxi drivers and riders may feel, distance between remains. 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