Ridesharing apps have become a popular option for transportation in major cities, as they offer a convenient and relatively affordable means of getting from one place to another safely. However, it is possible that you or a loved one may find yourself in an unsafe situation while taking a rideshare. In this article, we discuss the steps you can take if you are in a vehicle with an erratic or dangerous driver.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Dangerous Behavior
The first step to keeping yourself safe is identifying the warning signs of dangerous driving. Pay attention to what’s going on during the ride, being mindful of sudden lane changes, excessive speeding, unsafe tailgating or erratic swerving. You should also be alert to any form of illegal driving, such as running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians, or making illegal turns. In some cases, a driver’s car may not be safe to take on the road. Watch out for smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe, unusual sounds, or signs of visual vehicle damage.
Any of these behaviors or vehicle conditions can make a collision significantly more likely. If you or a loved one are involved in a crash, a rideshare accident lawyer in Jersey City may be able to provide assistance.
Take Action to Address the Dangerous Situation
If you find yourself in a car with a dangerous driver, try to take control of the situation if you can do so safely. Calmly address the driver in a polite but firm manner, so you don’t upset them and make the situation worse. You can say something like, “I’m feeling uncomfortable with your speed. Can you please slow down a bit?”
If the driver is unwilling to honor your request, ask them to pull over safely at a well-lit, public location such as a gas station or convenience store. It’s better to be safe than sorry and end the ride rather than risk getting into a dangerous situation due to the driver’s decisions.
If the situation continues to escalate or the driver becomes aggressive, contact emergency services right away to get help. Many rideshare apps have features that allow you to contact emergency services. Provide the dispatcher with the driver’s name, vehicle details, current location, and description of the situation.
Reporting the Incident Once the Ride is Over
Once the ride has ended and you are no longer in any danger, report the incident to the rideshare company. Most apps have built-in reporting features that allow you to share your experience. Use this tool to document the incident and provide detailed feedback on how and why you felt unsafe during your trip. Be sure to include the driver’s name and as much detail about their vehicle as you recall. You should also discuss the dangerous driving behavior you witnessed, along with the time and date of the ride.
You may need to follow up on your report to ensure that adequate actions are taken to ensure future riders won’t have the same experience you did. Check back with the responsible rideshare company to ensure they are following through with your report and ask what additional steps they recommend taking. If criminal actions occurred, you may want to contact the local authorities with any evidence you have. In situations where a crash occurred, seek medical and legal assistance in the aftermath of the accident.
Planning to Avoid Future Incidents
Reflect on the incident and identify areas where you can eliminate potential future dangers. On future rides, you may want to share trip details with a trusted friend or family member, have an exit plan ready if needed, or even consider alternative transportation options in certain situations. You may also consider advocating for stricter driver screening protocols, clearer in-app safety options, and enhanced driver safety programs.
Stay Safe & Aware of Potential Danger
By staying alert anytime you are in a stranger’s car, you significantly increase your chances of having a smooth and safe experience. Remember the resources available to you and don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel uncomfortable. We hope this article helps you stay safe the next time you call a Lyft or Uber!
