Good Rideshare Safety Tip

[Subdeacon Joe]

http://nixle.us/BNAW4?fbclid=IwAR2F3KBCf60FT2DrzFQHd8gmYYGCZIi6ngSss1gJJYK6LH6LB8oiwmUW8uY

 

Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety

Thursday February 27th, 2020 :: 02:56 p.m. PST

 

 

 

Community

BEFORE YOU GET INTO A RIDESHARE, ASK “WHAT IS MY NAME?”

 

The use of rideshares have added convenience to our daily lives. The term rideshare is frequently used to describe services such as Uber or Lyft. We encourage the use of rideshares in place of driving impaired from alcohol or another substance, or being a passenger in a vehicle with an impaired driver. 

As is true with something positive, there can also be negatives. One risk is someone will pose as a rideshare driver to take advantage of passengers. Unfortunately, many of the negative outcomes from fake drivers have been sexually related in nature. A driver may also take financial advantage of a passenger by telling a passenger there was a technical problem with a payment and asks for financial information such as a credit card. Rohnert Park Public Safety encourages the community to reduce the risks associated with rideshares by remembering and using these simple preventative tips.

Before you hop into a stranger’s vehicle, SLOW DOWN and look for the rideshare decals, verify the make, model, and license plate that is listed in your app. Next step, or if you missed the first, ask “What is my name?” A legitimate driver will know your name and to further validate the driver, ask about your destination. Other steps you can take to reduce risk is notifying a family member or friend about your trip verbally, by text, or using trip-sharing features within the app you are using. Also, mention to the driver your trip is being tracked or make a phone call during your ride.

Be sure to remain current on the payment and safety features available in the app you are using. If you feel uncomfortable during your ride, ask to end the ride in a safe place or call 911 if you believe you are in danger. Remember to SLOW DOWN, look around, as prevention is essential to rider safety.