Atlanta, Georgia can be difficult to navigate on its main roads, side streets and of course riding around 285. If you don’t have a car, you may choose to use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
This article will show you how to ride Uber and Lyft safely in Atlanta.
Why Take An Uber Or Lyft In Atlanta?
No matter if you’re visiting Atlanta or live here, one of the top reasons why it makes sense to take a ridesharing service around Atlanta like Uber or Lyft is because it allows you to avoid driving in traffic and parking fees.
Atlanta’s crazy traffic is well known as is its limited parking options, especially if you’re trying to visit popular areas like Downtown to grab a bite and Buckhead restaurants. Using a ride-sharing service can save you time and hassle by avoiding the stress of finding a parking spot or dealing with traffic congestion.
How To Ride Uber and Lyft Safely Around Atlanta
Riding Uber and Lyft is generally a safe experience, but there are some precautions you can take to ensure your safety. Here are some tips for riding Uber and Lyft safely:
1. Verify Your Ride
Before getting into the car, make sure the driver and the car match the information provided by the app. Check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number.
Uber.com says, “. To safely exchange names, you can ask, “Who are you here to pick up?” The driver may also ask you to confirm their name for their own peace of mind.”
Once you’ve confirmed that the driver is the intended rideshare for your trip, enter the vehicle. If you see any damage to the car’s interior, especially where you’ll be seated, take a photo or video of it and ask the driver about it. That way, you won’t have to worry about anything if an issue comes up pertaining to supposed damages you did to the vehicle.
For Lyft, the company monitors rides for unusual activity, like long stops or route deviations. If you don’t feel safe, ou can also schedule a check-in to confirm you got to your destination safely. Add your trusted contacts to your safety settings.
2. Share Your Trip Details
Use the app’s “share trip” feature to let friends or family know your route and estimated time of arrival. This feature is especially helpful if you feel that the Uber or Lyft driver is sketchy.
Both Uber and Lyft allow you to share your trip through their respective apps. If something makes you uncomfortable, make sure to share your location. Actually, even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to share your location with a friend or family member.
3. Sit In The Back Seat
Sitting in the back seat can help provide a level of distance and safety between you and the driver. Also, when you sit in the back seat you allow yourself and the driver to feel more comfortable.
4. Wear Your Seatbelt
Always wear your seatbelt during the ride for safety purposes.
Every year, thousands of Americans die in car crashes because they weren’t wearing seat belts. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 11,813 vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained. This accounted for nearly half of all passenger vehicle fatalities, underscoring the critical role seat belts play in saving lives
5. Trust Your Instincts
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during the ride, trust your instincts and ask the driver to pull over to a safe location and end the ride.
If you don’t feel safe in an Uber, you can choose your Trusted Contacts in the app and set reminders to share your trip details with them.
Final Word
Ridesharing is a wonderful innovation that has made public transportation more comfortable if intimate. One last tip to remember is to always keep your personal information private: Avoid sharing your personal information, such as your home address or phone number, with the driver.
Also you’ll want to distractions: Stay focused during the ride and avoid using your phone or other devices that may distract you. This is a huge issue, even with driverless Lyfts in Atlanta. Report any safety concerns: If you experience any safety concerns during the ride, report them to the company through their app or website.
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