Because of their convenience and affordability, ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, according to one survey, 22% of Americans use a ride-hailing service at least one time per month.
The person behind the wheel of your ride-hailing vehicle is probably not a professional driver. Consequently, you have some danger of being in a catastrophic accident every time you climb into a ride-hailing vehicle. Here are three ways to minimize your chances of sustaining a serious injury in an accident.
1. Wear your seat belt
Even though you always buckle up in your own car, you may think it is ok not to wear your seat belt in a ride-hailing vehicle. That is not sound logic, however. Put simply, whether you are in a ride-hailing car or any other motor vehicle, seat belts save lives.
2. Sit in the backseat
If you are riding by yourself, sitting in the backseat of the ride-hailing vehicle may seem awkward or even elitist. Still, regardless of what the driver asks you to do, the backseat is the safest part of most motor vehicles. Positioning yourself where you can see the driver may also be a good idea.
3. Move to the middle
When you climb into the back of a ride-hailing vehicle, you may want to scoot over to the middle of the seat. Doing so places you at the furthest possible impact point. If another vehicle hits the side of the ride-hailing one, the extra space may protect you from injury.
While much is out of your control in any ride-hailing vehicle, you can decide where you sit. Taking a few additional seconds to position yourself safely may save your life.
