Getting from Point A to Point B has never been simpler. Just take out your smartphone, access an e-hailing taxi app and order your ride. However, as convenient as ridesharing is, the service can also come with some safety concerns. In fact, various e-hailing taxi services have made headlines in recent years following violent attacks on passengers and drivers. So, what can you do to make your trip as safe as possible?
- Have a Plan. Before ordering your ride, make sure you know exactly where your destination is. Familiarise yourself with the route and approximately how long it should take to get there. Also have a look at the various safety features offered by the specific ridesharing app youโre using.
- Safe Location. When requesting a ride, do it in a space where you feel safe. The less time you spend outside on the street with your phone in your hands, the better. Rather wait in a crowded area until your driver has arrived.
- Share Your Trip. Before heading off on your trip, tell a friend or family member where youโre going, when youโre leaving and the estimated arrival time. Some apps allow you to share your trip live with a friend, enabling them to track you as you move.
- Ratings Matter. The moment a driver accepts your trip, itโs important to check their rating. If the rating is too low, rather cancel the trip and order another ride.
- Check Your Car. Before getting inside any vehicle, ensure you check the registration number, make and model of the car. Does it correspond with the info shown on the app? Also check the driverโs photo and make sure itโs the same person before even opening the car door. If any of the info doesnโt match up, rather cancel your ride and request another one.
- Backseat Driving. If youโre on your own, rather get in the backseat. Not only does this give you and your driver some personal space, but it also allows you to get out on either side of the car if needed.
- Donโt Get Personal. Thereโs no need to share any of your private information such as your address, contact number or other sensitive info with your driver.
- Trust Your Gut. If you feel uncomfortable in any way during the trip, you can ask the driver to stop at the first safe spot. If the driver refuses, try and alert someone either by sending a message requesting help or calling the police.
- Have A Strategy. Itโs important to be prepared for any given situation, so think of possible steps you could take should you need to escape a dangerous situation. Familiarise yourself with the inside of the car the moment you get in โ whereโs the door handle and any door locks? Also have your phone in your hand and ready to send out an emergency message if needed.
- Provide Feedback. If you have a bad experience during a particular trip, itโs important to provide feedback via the app. This helps both the e-hailing company as well as future passengers to identify a possible problem-driver.