Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe While Ride Sharing
Safety should always be a central point in a rideshare. If you don’t have a car or you are not in a position to drive, rideshare services are a good option. However, you have the role of confirming your safety since rideshare drivers are not under rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber. They are independent entities, which means anything that happens during the ride is solely between you and the driver. As a parent, traveling with your kids means being extra careful. You have a huge role in confirming their safety, more than you do when traveling in your own car. In that case, this article has compiled several tips to help you ensure your kids’ safety while ridesharing.
Wait for the Driver Indoors
It is advisable to call and wait for the driver indoors. This is important, especially when you are in a new place. So, ask your kids to stay close to you and ensure they don’t rush outside when the ride arrives.
Confirm their Name and License Plate Number before Entering
You must confirm some details if you haven’t used the ride before. Confirm that the face of the diver matches that on the app. Check the license plate number in the app and confirm it matches that of the car standing before you. A good way of confirming the driver is to call them and ask them if they are on the ride. Also, please take a photo of the license plate and send it to someone close. You must also ask them to pick you up in a public place.
Check their Rating on the App
Before you board, check the driver’s rating on the app. You will be traveling with a stranger, and the best thing to ensure you and your kids are traveling with a safe person is to check what other people feel about them. So, check how they have been rated on the app and the review details. If you realize their rating is low, it could mean people have had bad experiences with them.
Check the State of the Car
Some rideshares are not in good shape. Therefore, before getting in, check the state of the car. For instance, your kids need to wear a seatbelt during the ride. Therefore, confirm that the car has functional seatbelts. Confirm other things like the neatness and condition of different parts. They can tell you if the driver takes their job seriously.
Stay in the Backseat on the Passenger Side
It is always advisable to stay in the backseat and on the passenger side. Ensure your kids are in the back seat and stay with them. If the ride is full, you can stay in the front but ensure your kids are comfortable at the back.
Don’t Distract the Driver
Distracted driving is the main cause of road accidents. The best thing you can do while ridesharing is to let the driver do their job. Don’t talk too much, no matter how well you get along. If you have to handle something with the kids, ask the driver to keep their eyes on the road. However, some accidents are inevitable, or the driver could be reckless. So, if you are involved in a rideshare accident, we recommend hiring a rideshare accident lawyer to help you. However, before something bad happens, make the ride peaceful.
Let Someone Else Know Where You are Going
When taking a rideshare trip, let your family know you will be traveling with the kids. Inform them about where you are going and when you will be coming back. You can share the ride details so that they can help you out in case of a medical or emergency issue.
Keep Your Personal Details
Many rideshare drivers respect their job and want to give you and your kids the best services. They expect you to give them a good rating on the app. So, when rating the driver, keep your personal details confidential. Please don’t give them your details or any information revealing your address.
Don’t Agree to Rideshare with another Stranger
Always know your surroundings when riding with a stranger. In that case, never accept to get in the car if there is someone else besides the driver. Rideshare is a personal ride that should not be shared with others unless you are in a group. Therefore, for rideshare safety, never allow your kids to get in the car with a stranger.
Conclusion
These are crucial tips to help ensure your kids’ safety in a rideshare. If something bad like an accident happens, there are several things you can do. Ensure you are not injured and if so, seek medical attention. You also need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to represent you should you go to court after a mishap.