Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are a great way to get to where you want to go when you don’t have access to a car.
You can pull up the app and find a driver willing to pick you up and drop you off anywhere.
College students often use these apps because their schools don’t let them keep vehicles on campus.
You may find that you don’t want to pay a lot of money for a parking pass for your car, too. No matter why you use a rideshare app or how often you use one, you can rely on some tips to stay safe long after you finish your degree.
Always Get Some Information
Some of the common rideshare scams concern people who pick up others without using the app. If you simply get into the first car that stops by you or ask if the individual is your driver, you risk getting into the wrong car.
Do not get into any vehicle that you see until you get some basic information, even if the car has the app’s logo on the side. Take a few seconds to ask the driver for your name as you stand back from the car. An authorized driver will have your name from the app.
Use a Carpool
The top apps offer carpool options for those who don’t want to ride alone. When you select this option, you’ll often pay less for your ride and find at least one other passenger already in the car.
If there isn’t a carpool option, ask others you know to share the ride with you. It’s easy to find other college students at the bar or club who want a ride back to campus. There is strength in numbers.
Check the App
Many people use these apps to schedule rides and read reviews, but there are other ways you can use the apps. Most apps require that drivers share a photo and a scan of their license. This allows you to see both the name of your driver and their photo before you hop in the car.
As soon as your ride arrives, pull up the app and ask for the driver’s name. You can then compare the person in front of you to the individual you see in the license and make sure that the name they give you matches the name of your driver.
Share Your Trip
As a way to keep customers safe, the top ridesharing apps now allow customers to share their trips. You simply open the app and click on your profile. Look for the “share route” or “share trip status” button.
This allows the app to send updates about your trip to friends and loved ones you pick. They’ll know where you are from the moment the driver picks you up to the moment you get to your final destination. The app provides real-time updates on your trip to let your loved ones know if anything goes wrong.
Avoid Personal Information
You may feel a little uncomfortable sitting in the backseat and avoiding your driver. Experts often recommend that you sit in the backseat because it gives you more control over your situation.
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Though you can chat with your driver, avoid giving out too much personal information such as saying that your roommates left for the weekend or where you work. Drivers can use that information to track you after your ride.
None of the rideshare apps require that you give the driver your full name. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, ask the driver to drop you off at a location close to your final stop.
Write Reviews
One of the best things about rideshare apps is that they let you write reviews about your experiences. Don’t hesitate to write a bad or negative review about a driver who acted sketchy or pressed you for personal information. You’ll also want to write a review if your driver caused an accident to let other riders know what happened.
A Rochester rideshare accident lawyer can help you follow up with the app and get compensation later. You should also contact the app about your experiences. Learning how to stay safe as a college student who uses a rideshare app can help you avoid the disasters that happened to other riders.
Image Credit: how to stay safe while using rideshare apps by envato.com
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