Tips on Staying Safe When Taking an Uber or Lyft in Ocala, FL

Bill Allen | May 28, 2024 | Car Accidents

As Uber, Lyft, and other rideshares become increasingly popular, more riders are raising questions about safety. While over 99% of Uber and Lyft rides end without incident, there are some risks when using a rideshare.

As with all vehicles, there is a risk of an accident. Both companies have reported car accidents involving fatalities. In addition, there is a risk, particularly for female riders, of assault or other criminal behaviors. Both Uber and Lyft have dealt with thousands of sexual assault cases in the last five years.

The good news is both platforms prioritize safety and have implemented safety measures to minimize risks. Even so, it’s always a good idea to be informed about risks and proactive about safety. With that in mind, here are some tips for staying safe when using Uber or Lyft. Contact an Ocala rideshare lawyer to discuss rideshare accidents or concerns.

RIdeshares are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation, and there’s no need to avoid them completely. That said, there are some best practices riders should follow to help everyone stay safe.

Verify the Vehicle’s License Plate

Make sure the vehicle’s license plate matches the license plate in the app. Don’t get into the vehicle before confirming it has the right license plate. There are a lot of similar makes and models, so it’s important to confirm that it’s your driver before getting into the car.

Both Uber and Lyft protect your personal information. Your driver does not know your name, address, or phone number. Never share personal information with them. If you’re getting a ride home, consider getting dropped off a block or two away so the driver does not see your home address.

Sit in the Backseat Behind the Passenger Seat

This gives you and your driver some space. It also gives you access to both backdoors if needed. Finally, being in the backseat is generally a safer spot in a car accident.

Both Uber and Lyft allow passengers to share information about their rides with family and friends. This is easy to do and lets a loved one know where you are.

Report Suspicious Behavior

If a driver makes you uncomfortable, report it to Uber or Lyft. Even if there’s no incident, reporting concerning behavior can help keep other riders safe.

Keep in Mind that You can Cancel a Ride at Any Point

If you have concerns about a driver, you have the right to cancel at any time. For example, if the driver has a passenger, appears intoxicated, or engages in suspicious behavior, you should cancel the ride. In addition, if something feels off or your gut tells you something isn’t right, cancel the ride.

Uber vs. Lyft Safety

For riders prioritizing safety, a common question is: what’s safer, Uber or Lyft? The reality is that both apps offer similar safety features.

Important safety features offered by both Uber and Lyft include:

In-app panic buttons that allow riders to call for help with the click of a button;
Background checks on drivers to check for criminal history and driving violations;
The option for riders to share their trip with family and friends;
Minimum maintenance and cleanliness requirements for vehicles;
Rating systems to evaluate drivers.

Given the similar safety measures used by Uber and Lyft, it’s hard to say that one is safer than the other. Instead, safety varies based on the driver and location. Because of this, riders should be proactive about safety measures and comfortable canceling rides if there’s ever a concern.

Contact a personal injury attorney if you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident or had a bad rideshare experience. They can evaluate your case and discuss your rights if you were hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft.

Contact Our Ocala Car Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652