Rideshare drivers are getting a bad rep because of what their colleagues are putting their passengers through when they book a ride. You’ve heard the stories—uncomfortable rides, tense moments, and even incidents that make passengers second-guess taking a rideshare. You see, passenger safety isn’t just about following traffic laws; it’s about creating a trustworthy, secure environment from the moment a passenger steps into your car.
But how do you do this?
That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll cover some crucial ways rideshare drivers can go above and beyond to ensure their passengers feel safe and cared for throughout the journey. Let’s jump right in.
1. Provide Accurate Personal Details
There is a dark side to rideshares, and it’s your responsibility as a driver to ensure your passenger feels safe from the start. One way you can do this is to ensure that your details on the app are accurate.
Ensure you have a clear profile picture, and provide your full name and contact information. Additionally, make sure the car you show up in has the same plate number shown on the app. This information is crucial for customer safety.
Rideshare apps have a feature that allows passengers to share their ride details with a friend or relative in case of an emergency. Having the right information makes it easier for these people to reach out to you in an emergency.
For instance, if you dropped your client off at a specific location and their friend or relative hasn’t heard from them since they booked the ride, the information you share may be useful. However, this won’t be possible if you’ve not shared the correct details.
2. Stick to the Passenger’s Preferred Route
Another way to ensure passenger safety is to ask your passengers which route they’d prefer you to take and follow their instructions. With the rise in physical and sexual assault in rideshares, it’s crucial to empower your passengers to feel in control of their journey.
It may not seem like a big deal to follow your preferred route because it’s probably shorter, but doing so may be sending the client the wrong message. Diverting off their expected route may make them think you’re trying to do something sneaky even if you’re not.
If the passenger isn’t sure which route you should take, feel free to offer suggestions, making sure they know their input is valued. You can even check the map to see the fastest route and discuss if they want you to take it.
3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Another way to ensure your passengers feel safe is to remain aware of your surroundings. Make sure you pick them up and drop them up in a well-lit area to prevent feelings of panic. Choosing a well-lit area is also safe for both of you because you’ll likely encounter thieves hiding in dark alleys waiting for unsuspecting victims.
It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings when driving, especially in insecure neighborhoods. Avoid unnecessary stops and ensure your windows are up in traffic to avoid theft.
4. Ensure Proper Vehicle Maintenance
You can also ensure passenger safety by staying on top of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. Check your brakes, lights, and other essential components to ensure they’re in tip-top condition to prevent accidents.
As a general rule, you should take your vehicle for servicing every 12,000 miles or every year.
It’s also equally important to ensure you have enough fuel when starting the ride. Doing so will prevent unnecessary stops along the way and further boost your client’s confidence.
5. Stay Within the Speed Limit and Respect Traffic Laws
Road safety is paramount to making your passengers feel safe. Therefore, adhere to the required speed limit and respect traffic laws. Doing so will make your passengers trust you and stay relaxed, especially if it’s a long trip.
It’s also important to practice defensive driving by anticipating potential hazards and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Avoid abrupt maneuvers like sudden braking or sharp turns, as these can make passengers uneasy.
Final Word
Reckless driver behavior has given rideshare drivers a bad reputation, with many passengers opting to use other means of transportation. However, all is not lost. You can still have a thriving rideshare business. The trick is ensuring you make your passengers feel safe throughout their trip.
Begin the minute you pick them up by insisting on a well-lit pickup location, using their preferred route, staying aware of your surroundings, always ensuring your car is in excellent shape and following traffic laws. Little by little, you’ll build your clients’ confidence and can be among those committed to changing the narrative and giving clients a good rideshare experience.
