Towson University Police Department wants you to have a Safe Ride!
In addition to TUPD’s escort programs, Safe Walk and Ride Van on campus, Towson University students can also utilize Uber and lyft to request a safe ride! Both are smartphone apps that connect drivers and riders. Just download the app to your phone and use it to request a ride. The app will automatically use your credit card or debit card to fund the ride, so no exchange of money is necessary. Here are 10 safety tips when utilizing these services:
- Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time to use the app and wait for a driver to arrive at your location.
- Request your ride from inside a building to minimize the time that you’re standing outside by yourself with your phone in your hand. Wait inside shelter until the app shows that the driver has arrived.
- Make sure you get in the correct hired vehicle. The app will give you a vehicle description, vehicle registration number and driver identification. This information should be verified before entering the vehicle.
- Ask the driver who they are picking up to confirm they are there for you.
- Whenever possible sit in the back seat, especially if you’re riding alone. This will ensure that you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle to avoid moving traffic.
- Always wear your seat belt. Seat belt use is an effective way to save lives and reduce injuries related to car accidents and it’s the law!
- Share your trip details with a friend. While traveling to your destination, tap the Share trip status in the app to provide the driver’s name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member. They will receive a text or notification that tracks your trip and estimated arrival time.
- Protect your personal information. These apps will not share your personal information such as credit card, debit card, date of birth or address information. Only the locations that you are being picked up from and dropped off at are collected with your name. There is no reason for you to provide any other information to the driver.
- Follow your intuition. If you observe suspicious behavior or activity, call the police. Uber and lyft apps will provide your location in real-time and trip details that you can then share with the police dispatcher.
- Give feedback about your trip. After each trip the app will ask you to rate your trip. This feedback helps keep Uber and lyft safe and enjoyable for everyone. If you experience a safety issue during a trip, document the incident on the app so a company representative can follow up with you. If it is an emergency, always contact police either by 911 or on campus at 410-704-4444.
Categorised in: Students
This post was written by McShane, Kathleen*