Tech companies like Uber and Lyft stay ready for attacks from viruses—but COVID-19 was one they couldn’t protect against. Millions rely on rideshare services in cities as different as Tampa, Winter Haven, and Lakeland. However, there has been a drastic shift in demand during stay-at-home orders and quarantines.
This shift has led to a decrease in rides of around 90% across the country. More people working from home means fewer people commuting via rideshare. With fewer riders, drivers just can’t make as much money as usual. Riders and drivers may also fear contracting COVID-19, so they may feel out of options when it comes to transportation. So how can both riders and drivers stay safe and keep rideshare services going?
How Can Riders Stay Safe?
Obviously social distancing is impossible when inside a vehicle. There are a few suggestions for how to minimize the risk. Sit in the backseat of your driver’s vehicle and try to limit the number of people you ride with. Riding with the windows down is an easy way to increase air flow inside the vehicle and reduce airborne transmission.
Uber and Lyft are both requiring that you wear a mask when riding with them. Wearing a mask limits the spread of this virus. Do your part and keep your mask on for the duration of your ride. Try to limit what you touch inside of the vehicle—remember how many other people are also touching those surfaces! Keep hand sanitizer on you and use it when you enter a vehicle, especially when your ride ends.
How Can Drivers Reduce Their Risk?
Rideshare drivers can come in contact with more people than usual when they are driving. This may put you at a higher risk for both contracting and transmitting this disease. Try to stay safe by sanitizing your vehicle as often as possible. Clean your area and your passenger area to ensure a safer ride for both you and riders.
Some drivers are installing plastic or plexiglass dividers between their front seat and back seat. This is one method that can keep the virus from transmitting through the air. Uber has said that although they will not pay for this to be installed in their drivers’ vehicles, they encourage them to do so if they would like.
Just like with riders, drivers must also wear masks, but with one extra step. Uber requires drivers to upload a picture of their face with a mask on before they can pick up any riders. This verifies that they are complying with the rule. However, it is up to drivers to keep their mask on the whole time they are working and enforce riders to wear theirs as well. These services are inviting drivers to leave negative ratings for riders without masks. But be aware, riders can also do the same for their drivers.
What Can Brooks Law Group Do?
We hope that both riders and drivers can work together to stay healthy. But as more rideshare vehicles take to the streets again, you may be more at risk for an accident. Whether you are a rider, driver, or someone else involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, Brooks Law Group can help you. When you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact Brooks Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.
