Rideshare services are convenient and accessible; hence, it is no surprise that they have become increasingly popular lately. However, rideshare services also have an ugly side, particularly in accident involvement. For perspective, one in every four accidents that occur in medium and large cities in the U.S. are rideshare related. Having said that, these are some of the tips to consider to avoid rideshare accidents.

1. Choose a Reputable Rideshare Company

Just because there are several rideshare companies does not mean you settle on any. To avoid a rideshare accident, it is important that you opt for a reputable company that offers best-in-class services. But how exactly do you find the best rideshare company? Well, one of the ways to achieve this is to check how these companies are rated. Companies with a higher rating are likely to be more reputable than those with a lower rating. You can also ask a friend or family to recommend a good rideshare company, and once you have found one, stick to it every time you travel.

2. Wait for Your Ride in a Safe Location

Once you have identified a good rideshare company and requested a ride, the next thing to do is to wait in a safe location. A safe location is a well-lit area where other motorists can easily spot you. Avoid areas with heavy traffic since rideshare accidents can easily occur in them.

3. Ensure You Verify the Details of the Driver and Vehicle

Once your ride has arrived, it is time to get in and start your journey. But before you do that, make sure all the details match those on the rideshare app. First, check if the rideshare driver is who they say they are. Second, ensure the car you are about to get into is registered with the right rideshare company. You should also check out other details, such as the color of the car you are about to board.

4. Share Your Travel Details with a Trusted and Reliable Party

You have verified the details of the driver and vehicle, and you are 100% sure everything is alright. The next thing to do is make sure you do not forget to share your travel details with a trusted and reliable party. The latest rideshare apps are equipped with a built-in feature that makes it easier to share the details of your ride with another party. When you share your details with a trusted individual, you allow them to keep an eye on every movement of your ride in real time. Needless to say, they will always know where you are throughout your journey.

5. Be Keen to Buckle Up and Avoid Distractions

According to statistics, 51% of the 23,824 passengers who perished in road accidents in 2020 forgot or ignored to wear their seatbelts. That said, the importance of wearing a seatbelt cannot be emphasized enough; hence, once you have got into your ride, make sure you buckle up. Buckling up will keep you safe in the unfortunate event you are involved in a rideshare accident. Furthermore, try to avoid distractions as much as possible since they can also increase your chances of getting involved in a rideshare accident.

In summary, you can avoid rideshare accidents by steering clear of distractions and choosing a reputable rideshare company. In case it is too late, such that you are already involved in a rideshare accident, consider getting the best rideshare accident lawyer to help you get fully compensated.