Driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a great way to earn money, whether it be your primary job or a way to make supplemental income. But it’s an occupation that causes you to travel to many locations and come into contact withnumerous people, and that carries certain risks.
By taking the following precautions, you can greatly decrease the chance of running into trouble of any kind. These common-sense tips will keep both you and your property safe.
Verify Your Rider
You don’t want to give access to your vehicle to anyone who hasn’t been authorized by the rideshare service. Be sure to verify that the person approaching you is your rider before allowing anyone to get into the vehicle.
That starts with keeping your doors locked as you approach your pickup point. Some drivers aren’t accustomed to locking their doors, but as a rideshare driver, you should get into that habit.
You can roll down a window to verify your rider’s identity. Riders have been provided with your name and other identifying characteristics of you and your vehicle. Ask them to state your name to confirm that it’s the authorized rider. Only then should you unlock your door to let them inside.
Stay Alert to Your Surroundings
Many potential safety issues can be dealt with before they even happen by being mindful of your surroundings. As a rideshare driver, you should make sure that you’re constantly aware of the area you’re driving in and the people in your vicinity.
Nighttime rideshare driving can increase the risk factor, and that’s when mindfulness is especially valuable. Try to drive and especially park your vehicle in well-lit areas. Pay attention to whether there are any people who look like they may have bad intentions near where you’re planning on stopping or parking your vehicle.
Trust Your Instincts
Once you’ve picked up a rider, trust your instincts when it comes to safety. If a rider is making you feel uncomfortable or you’re picking up a “wrong” feeling, you can terminate the ride and report it to the ridesharing service. While you won’t be compensated for that ride, it’s not worth your safety to take chances.
Secure Your Vehicle and Possessions
As a rideshare driver, it’s important to take precautions not only with your own safety, but with the safety of your property, including your vehicle. Theft is one of the largest hazards with rideshare driving, but you can take practical steps to decrease your risk.
First of all, don’t keep valuable possessions in your vehicle while driving with a rideshare service. Before each session, take out any unnecessary valuables and secure them in your residence or somewhere safe. Anything loose in your vehicle, especially if it’s near where your riders will sit, is at risk of being taken.
As you’re driving, don’t ever leave your vehicle idling. If you’re going to be stopped for any length of time, shut the vehicle off. This is especially true if you’re going to be exiting the vehicle, even if it’s just for a moment or two. A running vehicle is an attractive target for car thieves, so don’t give them that opportunity.
Drive Safely
This may seem obvious, but one of the biggest safety dangers when driving with a rideshare service is getting into auto accidents. While surveys show that most rideshare trips end safely, Uber reported 153 motor vehicle fatalities in 2021 and 2022. The more you are on the road the more risk you will face. Practicing good driving habits is important, since you’re likely going to be driving for prolonged periods of time.
Since you’re driving with a service that uses an app, it might be tempting to spend time on your phone or mobile device. But make sure to avoid doing so while actually on the road. Texting and driving, or distracted driving, is not only dangerous but also illegal in many jurisdictions.
Driving with a rideshare offers certain risk factors, but drivers can stay safe by following the above guidelines. By being mindful of your surroundings, trusting your instincts and attending to your driving and your property, you can make good money while staying out of trouble.
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