More and more people are using ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, or food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Door Dash, and JustEat. But these not only provide convenient services of both traveling and enjoying a tasty meal when you don’t wish to cook, they’re also a job opportunity for some people, and a side hustle activity for others.
If you hope to become a rideshare driver, then it’s important to know how to protect yourself. You deserve to be safe, and you deserve to retain an operational vehicle. It’s why services that offer private Uber insurance have become in such demand – they can help cover you for much cheaper than the service itself might.
However, none of that is important if you feel unsafe. In this post, we’ll discuss how to achieve your safety, which is paramount.
Don’t Pick Up Suspicious Passengers
When picking people up, you should always go with your instincts. Don’t hesitate to reschedule the ride if someone makes you feel uneasy or exhibits suspicious behavior. Keep in mind that your safety is more vital than a few dollars, pounds or euros extra.
In many cases, you can check on the profile of each potential passenger before they come. You might choose to never pick up a passenger below a four-star rating, or those with brand-new accounts as you cannot determine their reliability. Remember, you don’t have to justify this to anyone.
Keep Your Doors Locked Between Rides
Keep your doors locked until the passenger is in the car after you accept a ride and find your meeting point. This will lessen the chance of any uninvited guests coming into your vehicle. When people see the sign that you’re an Uber, or another ridesharing service, they may just feel entitled to open the door.
They may have also mistaken you for another ride they’ve booked. Of course, if you’re on the road all day, then it’s just good to keep your environment secure from place to place regardless of this.
Remain Vigilant And Conscious Of Your Surroundings
It’s crucial to always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when driving for a rideshare company. Watch out for potential threats including traffic hazards or shady vehicles. Trust your gut when you observe anything that doesn’t feel right, and act accordingly to protect yourself.
For instance, if a ride seems to be for the middle of an empty industrial park in the middle of the night, then you can deny that quite handily. The safest times will always be in the morning, and in broad daylight. If you’d prefer to avoid those who may be inebriated, then of course, making sure you avoid the midnight shift can be ideal. If you don’t mind this, then there’s a great deal of money to be made here, as requested rides will be numerous and they’re liable to tip more readily.
Don’t Be Afraid To Stop A Ride
Don’t hesitate to end a ride if you ever feel unsafe while driving. You can always get in touch with the ride-sharing service to report an incident and make a help request. Politely asking the party to leave can help you end it there, if they refuse then you can contact law enforcement as is your right.
In some cases, it can be handy to implement the divider between the rear seats of the carriage and the driving area, so that you’re safer at all times.
Utilize The Security Tools Offered By The Ridesharing Business
The majority of ridesharing services have security measures that can keep you secure while driving. For instance, some businesses offer an in-app option that enables you to tell a friend or member of your family where you are. In the event of an emergency, this can be an excellent way to let someone know your position, or where to find you.
Rate every passenger honestly. It might be that someone has done this for you, helping you avoid someone known to cause trouble. In the long run, these keeps you safe. Moreover, always keep a record of your trips, including the name and contact details of the passenger. This can be useful if you need to get in touch with the traveler for any reason, such as to return a lost item.
With this advice, we hope you can protect yourself as a rideshare driver. This job can seem tough, but it’s honest work, and after a while of getting used to it you’ll be able to move from A to B with confidence. As you can see, preparing will also help you limit the issues you may be exposed to, and as your knowledge grows, so will your time earning on the roads.
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