Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made traveling easier and more convenient. With just a few taps on your phone, you can reach your destination without driving yourself. But while these rides are helpful, they’re not always risk-free.

Accidents can happen, and as a passenger, you need to do your part to stay safe.

Here are four simple things you can do to avoid rideshare accidents and have a safer journey. If you happen to be involved in one, consult the top rideshare accident lawyers to get the legal assistance required to win fair compensation.

1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

This might sound basic, but wearing your seatbelt is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. Many passengers forget to buckle up when riding in the backseat of a rideshare, and this habit can be dangerous.

Did you know that seatbelts reduce the risk of injury or death in car accidents by about 50%? Whether the car is moving slowly or quickly, accidents can happen in an instant. Always buckle up as soon as you get in the car. If you sit in the backseat, you are already safer than sitting in the front. But wearing your seatbelt makes a big difference.

2. Avoid Distracting the Driver

Drivers need to stay focused on the road to keep you safe. While chatting with the driver or listening to music can make the ride more fun, it’s important not to distract them.

Here are some simple ways to avoid being a distraction:

• Keep conversations short and friendly, especially if the driver seems focused.
• Avoid asking for sudden changes in the route unless necessary.
• Don’t play loud music or videos without headphones.

Think of the driver as someone doing a job requiring full attention. By helping them stay focused, you’re making the ride safer for everyone.

3. Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts

Staying alert while you’re a passenger can help you spot potential problems. Pay attention to how the driver behaves on the road. If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Is the driver speeding or running red lights?
• Are they using their phone or looking away from the road too often?
• Do they seem tired, distracted, or reckless?

If you notice unsafe driving, it’s okay to speak up. You can politely say, “Can you please slow down?” or “I feel safer when you keep both hands on the wheel.”

Most rideshare apps also allow sharing your trip details with a family member or friend. Use this feature if you feel uneasy during the ride. Staying aware and alert helps you stay in control of your safety.

4. Inspect the Condition of the Vehicle

Although negligence is the reason behind most car accidents, product defects have a role to play as well. A well-maintained car is less likely to fail during operation. This means that the chances of being involved in an accident in a well-maintained car are little to none.

The same cannot be said for a poorly maintained vehicle. They may have defective brakes, non-functional lights or steering system, and other similar issues.

It helps to take a moment to analyze the vehicle before getting. If it looks in bad shape, odds are that it hasn’t been serviced for a while. And the chances of a part failing during the trip are scarily high.