The Uber experience isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the entire journey. From the time a rider requests a trip in the app to when that trip is completed, every moment matters.
Riders and drivers both play a role in helping to make pickups and dropoffs safe. It starts with drivers choosing spots where riders can easily get in and out of the car without blocking the flow of traffic or stepping into the road.
Avoid highway pickups and dropoffs
The Governors Highway Safety Association recommends that drivers always use safe, designated areas away from highways for pickups and dropoffs. Highways are not safe places to stop at any time for picking up and dropping off riders. The high-speed traffic and limited space to pull over create serious dangers for riders, drivers, and others on the road. Other drivers are not expecting a vehicle to stop on the highway—and doing so can lead to sudden braking, swerving, and crashes.
Even pulling over on the shoulder can be risky. A stopped vehicle could be struck by another car, or other vehicles could collide while trying to avoid it. Such roadside stops also put passengers in a dangerous position, leaving them to face speeding traffic, low visibility, and possibly uneven ground.
It’s simple: Picking up or dropping off riders on the highway puts everyone at risk.
Identify safer places for pickups and dropoffs
When planning pickups and dropoffs, drivers and riders can opt for safer, more convenient locations. Parking lots, residential streets, and other well-lit areas that are clear of heavy traffic are great options.
With a quick message in the app before a trip and a brief conversation near the destination, riders and drivers can help agree on the best spot for everyone.
We all have a role in helping to keep rides safe—from opening the app to closing the door at the final stop. By choosing pedestrian-friendly pickup and dropoff locations and avoiding risky areas like highways, we can all help make every Uber trip a safer experience from start to finish.
Posted by Varshini Bala