Over the years, ride share programs have changed the landscape of day to day transportation. A recent surveys showed that one in three people use a ride share program. As a risk mitigation company, we never recommend getting into a car with a total stranger, however we understand the ease of use and popularity of these programs.
While personal security is a rising issue in public transportation, it’s becoming a matter of great concern and debate with ride share services. The chance of falling victim to an assault or harassment has become a critical factor with today’s travelers.
When using ride share programs we recommend the following safety tips to reduce your chance of encountering a problem.
Ordering Your Ride
- Whenever possible use the ride share app while indoors to avoid lingering outside too long. Standing outside and being distracted by your phone has proven to increase your chances of an attack or attracting thieves or pickpockets.
- Once your car is confirmed, check out the driver’s previous ratings and reviews. If you’re not comfortable with anything you read then cancel the car and order another.
When The Car Arrives
- Always verify the vehicle information – make, model, color and license plate. Some riders have reported that they’ve gotten into vehicles that they’ve later realized were different than the one listed on the ride share app.
- Always verify the driver’s photo to ensure your driver is the same one pictured in the app.
- When sitting in the front seat, riders have a higher risk of injury during an accident. We always recommend sitting in the back seat whenever possible. Not only does this lower the risk of injury but also provides you with some additional personal privacy. Also, if you’re in the back seat, you have 2 doors that you can quickly exit through during an emergency.
During Your Ride
- Once in the car share your trip with a family member or friend using the ride share app. Another option is to screen shot the driver’s information and text it to a family member or friend.
- During your ride always try and keep your personal items such as keys and wallet in your pockets, purse or bag. This lowers the risk of leaving them in the car when you exit.
- During your trip we always recommend not making phone calls. Should you need to be on a call, refrain from discussing personal and/or confidential information such as business matters, personal identifiers such as birthdates and account numbers, vacation plans, where you work or live.
- Always pay attention to the route the driver is taking and ensure the route matches the one on your app.
- Ride share programs promote customer service and friendly drivers to encourage positive ratings. Exchanging pleasantries with the driver is good however avoid giving them any personal information.
End of Your Ride
- Ride share apps allow you to pay and tip using your pre-entered credit card. Always keep cash, credit cards and identification in your bag and never pay or tip using cash.
- We recommend that if your destination is your home, have the driver drop you off a few houses away to prevent them from knowing where you live.
- As always, be aware of your surroundings when exiting the vehicle.
