1. Trust Your Instincts:
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. It’s always better to be cautious and take action if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
2. Communicate with the Driver:
If you’re a passenger, calmly communicate your concerns to the driver. For example, if you’re uncomfortable with the speed or route, politely ask the driver to slow down or follow a more familiar route.
3. Request to End the Ride Early:
If you feel unsafe and want to end the ride, you can ask the driver to pull over at a safe, public location where you can exit the vehicle. If you’re a driver and feel uncomfortable with a passenger, you can also suggest ending the ride early at a safe spot.
4. Share Your Location with a Trusted Contact:
Use the location-sharing feature available on your smartphone to keep a trusted contact informed about your whereabouts. Here’s how you can do it:
For iPhone Users:
Open the Messages app and select the conversation with your trusted contact.
Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
Select Share My Location.
Choose the duration for sharing your location (e.g., Share Indefinitely or Share Until End of Day).
Your trusted contact will now be able to see your real-time location through the Find My app.
For Android Users:
Open the Google Maps app on your device.
Tap on your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.
Select Location Sharing and then New Share.
Choose the contact you want to share your location with from your contacts list or by entering their email address.
Set the duration for how long you want to share your location.
Tap Share to start sharing your real-time location.
By sharing your location, your trusted contact can monitor your journey and be ready to assist if needed.
5. Contact Emergency Services:
If the situation escalates and you believe you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or TTY (106) in Australia. Provide your location and explain the situation to emergency services. It’s crucial to prioritize your safety in such circumstances.
6. Report the Incident to RideMates:
After ensuring your safety, report the incident to RideMates as soon as possible. You can do this by:
Clicking on Support in the RideMates app or website.
Opening the support widget, clicking on Contact Support, and typing "Talk to an agent" to speak with a support representative.
Provide detailed information about the incident, including any relevant details about what made you feel unsafe.
7. Document the Incident:
If possible, take notes or photos related to the incident. This documentation can be helpful when reporting the situation to both RideMates and the authorities if necessary.
Conclusion:
Feeling safe during your ride is essential, and RideMates is committed to ensuring that all passengers and drivers have a secure experience. By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and protect yourself if you ever feel unsafe during a ride. Remember, your safety is our top priority.