When it comes to rideshare services, the main focus tends to be toward the safety of the passengers. It is true that Uber or Lyft drivers in Louisiana must take precautions to ensure passengers’ safety but the same goes for their own safety as well. From making sure they satisfy their job requirements to making sure your seatbelt is on, there are certain Uber safety precautions drivers need to take. If you are a Lyft or Uber driver, you should also consider the potentially dangerous conditions created by riders. To that end, we have compiled a list of some rideshare safety tips for drivers in New Orleans. Remember to follow the below tips every time you head out to take ride requests.
Check the passenger ratings
Uber has really tried to make the ridesharing experience safe for everyone, including the driver. They have a passenger rating system which allows the Uber driver to gauge a passenger and avoid any dangerous ones. If a rider has a poor rating, it’s because the past Uber drivers have found the rider to be rude, aggressive, obnoxious, disrespectful, or even dangerous. If such a person books your ride, you can deny their ride request. Similarly, you can warn the other Uber drivers about a difficult passenger by giving them a low rating. If the passenger turns out to be seriously irresponsible or belligerent, you should call the Uber or Lyft critical response line in Louisiana, depending on which company you’re driving for.
Keep an eye on the passengers
As a driver in New Orleans, one of the most important tools you have in your arsenal is your instinct. It can help you read your passenger and use that information to get out of a dangerous situation if things go wrong. If you notice that the passenger is exhibiting a threatening demeanor, such as aggressive language, inappropriate behavior, or uncomfortable advances, cancel the ride. If, at any point, you start to feel uncomfortable, end the ride as carefully as possible. Doing so rudely or abruptly may end up aggravating the passenger even more. Don’t hesitate to call the Louisiana police if you start to feel endangered.
Be cautious about drive location and time
Like almost every other city in the US, New Orleans also has some places which are unsafe to visit after dark. These locations have a high crime rate once the sun goes down. If you know where these risky neighborhoods are, avoid accepting rides from those locations. Your safety is worth more than a few extra rides. Also, if you feel unsafe driving at night, stick to the 6 am – 9 pm time frame. If you are a female driver, one of the most important Lyft safety tips for you is to avoid picking up drunk male passengers, especially at night. Avoid pickups at nightclubs, bars, and other areas where unruly passengers could be present.
Get a dash cam
One of the most underrated Uber safety tips is installing a dash cam in the car! There have been numerous cases where the passengers have claimed that the driver acted inappropriately and the company is forced to take the word of the passenger since the driver can’t prove otherwise. Having a dash cam in your car will make sure your passengers are held accountable for their actions. It can also protect you in case you ever get into a car accident. The dash cam footage is considered solid evidence to support your vehicle accident claim in Louisiana.
Let people know about your driving schedule
It is impossible to say where the rideshare app is going to take you when you’re behind the wheel. To make sure you have some peace of mind, let a family member or friend know about your location. Telling someone that you’re going to be driving around town may come handy in an emergency situation. For example, if you are planning to accept rides between 9 pm to midnight, send a text to your roommate or spouse about it. When midnight rolls around and you don’t update the person, they are going to wonder where you are. If they can’t reach you, they are likely to take action. Get into this habit of checking in whenever you’re working and let your loved ones in Louisiana know when you are home safe.
Schedule a Personal Injury Consultation in New Orleans with Bloom Legal Today!
It may be rare, but rideshare assaults in Louisiana do happen. Taking the above steps will prepare for the experience and keep you safe while driving. However, if worst happens and a passenger ends up injuring you or damaging your car, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. At Bloom Legal in New Orleans, we have represented numerous Uber and Lyft drivers who suffered assault and injuries from unruly riders. Our experienced attorneys are skilled in protecting the interests of drivers who have been a victim of irresponsible passengers. Even if you only need a little bit of legal guidance about your situation, we will be happy to help! To schedule your free case evaluation and increase your chances of getting maximum possible compensation, please give us a call at 504-599-9997 or contact us online.
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