Stay Safe When You Rideshare With These Tips

Over the past few years, ridesharing services have become ubiquitous. Apps such as Uber and Lyft offer an easy way to zip around town, enjoy a night out, or head to appointments or airports without worrying about driving or parking. And yet, it is easy to forget some safety concerns when a ready ride is always a couple of finger-clicks away.

Here are a few safety tips that all rideshare riders should keep in mind:

Wait in a Safe Place

Staying safe begins before your car arrives. After you request your ride, make sure you have a safe place to wait. Set your pickup spot where there is a wide sidewalk and room for the car to pull out of traffic to pick you up.

Check the Car Make and License Plate

As the car arrives, double-check that the license plate and car make and model match the information in the app. Don’t get into a car until you are sure that it’s the car you called in your app.

Check Driver’s Name and Disposition

As you get into the car, ask the driver for his or her name to confirm that it matches the information in the app. Double-check to make sure the driver looks like the person depicted in the app. As you enter the car, be observant of the driver’s overall disposition. If your gut tells you not to get in the car, listen to it.

Sit in the Back

Sitting in the back seat allows you to keep an eye on the driver and your route and gives you two exit options in the event of an emergency.

Share Your Ride Status

Most rideshare apps have a feature that allows you to share your ride information and location during the drive with friends and family of your choosing. Turn it on and allow a few trusted people to know where you are during your ride.

Vocalize Concerns

If you are concerned about your route or if you feel that your driver is not driving safely, you can always ask to be dropped off at the next opportunity.

Follow Your Path

Most drivers have a phone on the dashboard that shows the route. You can use your phone to track your progress as well. If you notice that you are going off the route, you can always exit the car the next time it comes to a stop or call for help.

Exit Safely

Make sure your driver drops you off in a place where it is safe to exit the vehicle. Check to make sure you are not walking into traffic.

Leave Reviews

Help other riders stay safe by starring and reviewing the driver after a ride.

In the Event of an Accident

Texas state law requires that drivers working with rideshare companies carry insurance coverage in excess of the normal minimum state requirements. If you are injured in an accident while using the service and the driver is at fault, their insurance policy will cover your injuries. If your claim exceeds their coverage limits, most rideshare companies carry additional coverage that will cover you. If the accident is another driver’s fault, then, as in any other accident, that driver’s insurance will cover any injuries or damages.

If you have any concerns about your insurance exposure while using rideshare services, you can always reach out to your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent for help.

If you’re driving yourself around Texas, check out these safety tips for sharing the road with other drivers and driving on winter roads.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.