Ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, and GoGoRides offer seniors a convenient way to get around independently without owning a car or trying to navigate public transportation. However, senior transportation safety is critical when it comes to ridesharing. Here are some safety tips for seniors to ensure a comfortable, worry-free ride.
1. Verify your driver.
One of the most important safety tips for seniors when ridesharing is to verify your driver’s identification before getting in the car.
Make sure the car model, driver’s name, and license plate number match those displayed in the app or what the GoGoGrandparent operator told you over the phone.
This is one of the simplest safety measures for seniors to ensure you’re not getting in with a stranger.
Learn how to request a ride on-demand with GoGoGrandparent here.
2. Share your trip details with a loved one.
Senior transportation safety is a team effort. Sharing your trip details with a friend or family member helps ensure safe transportation for seniors. Before you get in the car, text or call a trusted loved one and tell them the driver’s name, car model, license plate number, drop-off location, and estimated arrival time. You can also make this phone call right after you get in the car so your driver knows that you have people looking out for you.
GoGoGrandparent offers a Family Dashboard, where your loved ones can track your journey in real time. Whoever has access to your Family Dashboard can see your pickup location, drop off location, current route, and driver information. These features are incredible safety measures for seniors getting in the car with a stranger.
Moreover, GoGoGuardians are watching your trips as they happen. Even though GoGo drivers are thoroughly screened and vetted to ensure only top-notch drivers, our GoGoGuardians also keep an eye on your journey to provide an additional layer of senior transportation safety for our members.
3. Wear your seatbelt.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective safety measures for seniors to prevent injury in the event of an accident. If you notice your rideshare car does not have a seatbelt, ask the driver to provide one or cancel the ride and request another.
GoGoGrandparent screens vehicles to ensure all cars not only have seatbelts but also can assist with any accessibility or mobility accommodations you may require.
4. Sit in the backseat.
Sitting in the backseat of the car is one of our favorite safety tips for seniors . It’s one of the best safety measures for seniors because it provides more distance between you and the unknown driver. This extra bit of space could prevent the unknown driver from hurting you. Moreover, in the case of an emergency with the driver or car, sitting in the backseat allows you to exit the vehicle quickly.
GoGoGuardians vet drivers thoroughly to help minimize your concerns about getting into the car with a stranger. Our GoGoGuardians watch your trip from start to finish and are always available to chat while you’re on your ride.
5. Keep your personal information private.
Having a conversation with a friendly driver is one of the perks of taking a rideshare. It’s a fun way to be social and meet new people. But you want to be careful about who you share private information with – no matter how nice the driver may seem. Safe transportation for seniors goes beyond the actual car ride; don’t share your phone number, home address, who lives with you, where you are going (especially if you are going to be alone), or any vacations you are taking. Also, don’t share ride details with strangers or people you don’t know. Protecting your personal information will help avoid potential risks and boost your senior transportation safety.
6. Be alert.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings when using rideshare services. Pay attention to the driver’s behavior, the route they are taking, and any potential risks. If you feel uncomfortable, ask the driver to stop the car and call a friend in real time to keep them abreast of the situation.
You also want to be mindful of your surroundings when waiting to be picked up by your driver. One of the best safety tips for seniors is to avoid telling strangers you are waiting for a rideshare driver. Do not talk to people you don’t know; if you feel you have to say something, mention that you are waiting for a friend or child to pick you up.
7. Keep your cell phone readily available.
You want your phone available and charged in case of an emergency. Having a charged cellphone is one of the simplest safety measures for seniors, so you can call a family member or 911 in case of a medical emergency or unsafe situation.
8. Trust your instincts.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, ask the driver to stop the car. Call a friend or the police, or seek help from bystanders. Your safety is the most important thing, so do not be afraid to take action if you feel something is wrong. You are responsible for your own senior transportation safety. Being rude or impolite is a small price for your life, health, safety, and well-being.
9. Use GoGoRides.
A lot of these risks can be minimized by using GoGoRides. Our number one goal is safe transportation for seniors. GoGoGuardians screen all drivers to ensure we only send the most professional, reliable drivers for our members. We also screen vehicles for accessibility, and our operators ensure the driver is aware of any mobility or disability concerns you require for your ride.
Moreover, our GoGo operators ensure your driver knows your exact pickup and drop-off locations, so you do not have to worry about struggling to find your driver. When you book a ride, you’ll hear the driver’s name, car color, car make/model, license plate, and estimated arrival time, so you can verify you are getting in the right car. (That’s the first tip on our list of safety tips for seniors). You’ll also get a call when your driver is near, which helps minimize the risk of getting into the wrong car.
Plus, our GoGoGuardians and Family Features allow friends, family, and GoGoGuardians to constantly monitor your ride. Having eyes on your trip is one of the critical safety measures for seniors that ensures a comfortable, stress-free ride for you.
Register with GoGoGrandparent to start your journey with reliable, safe transportation for seniors.
