According to the BBC, the number of active Uber app users has dropped nearly in half since the start of the pandemic. But is this number surprising? Not at all. Who needs a taxi when they can’t move anywhere because of the quarantine?
But even though the worst part of the pandemic is over (although who knows what’s going to happen), people are still afraid to use ridesharing services. After all, the risk of infection is still incredibly high.
But what if you have no other choice, and you’re forced to use Uber or Lyft to get from point A to point B? If that’s the case, you have to implement certain precautions, know what to do, and what not to do in the car.
The article below will answer whether it’s safe to use ridesharing services during COVID pandemic, and how you can limit the risk of infection when riding Uber or Lyft.
Pick the Right Car
It may not entirely prevent the risk of infection, but riding in the right car is crucial to lowering the risk. If the vehicle is smaller, has inefficient AC, the chances of getting infected are growing. Fortunately, if you use Uber, you can easily adjust your car requirements.
Nowadays, it’s best to use more luxurious options, like UberX or Uber Comfort, where drivers are more reliable, and their cars are more comfortable and spacious. You can visit this site for more information about Uber Comfort and other Uber services if you haven’t used them before.
Wear a Mask
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but it’s worth reminding you again that you should wear a mask. It’s crucial, and you mustn’t forget about it, especially if you’re traveling in a close range with someone you don’t know.
Keep in mind that a mask lowers the risk of a driver infecting you and ensures that you don’t infect them. Covering your face may not be the most comfortable experience, especially if you’re going somewhere far away, but it’s the best way to stop coronavirus from spreading.
What’s more, you should only enter the car if your driver wears one too. If they’re not, don’t be afraid to ask them to put on a mask. Uber has even implemented in its policy that both passengers and drivers have to cover their faces.
Avoid the Front Seat
Even though the infectious particles can quickly spread in closed spaces, you shouldn’t take any chances, and try to keep as much distance from a driver as possible. That means sitting on the front seat is not an option.
Even Uber and Lyft recommend their users not to sit on the front. It’s more comfortable for you and your driver, and much safer. And if you’re traveling with more than two friends, don’t share the same car and split your party in two.
Open a Window
Coronavirus loves stagnant air. Without proper circulation, your chances of infection are increasing. Unfortunately, air conditioning is not enough, although it’s the first step. Encourage fresh air flow, open the window next to you, and ask your driver to do the same.
Better circulation will lower the risk of infection, and with the beautiful weather out (after all, it’s summer), opening the car’s windows is the best way to achieve that.
Don’t Talk
The common problem with ridesharing drivers is that they love to tell their life stories. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, their tales of bravery and glory have to wait until they get home (which is not a bad thing for users).
The same goes for you as a passenger. If you had a rough day at work or something incredible happened to you that you have to share with someone, don’t start the conversation. No matter how weird it will get, and after, for example, 50 miles it can, you should stay quiet and ask your driver politely to do the same.
A conversation encourages spitting, which is the perfect way to spread the infectious particles around the car.
No Touching
As much as it tempts you, avoid touching anything in the car, especially the driver. The same goes for your baggage (if you have one). Handle it all by yourself, and don’t seek help from a person you ride with.
What’s more, remember to clean or at least disinfect your hands before and after the ride. These are small things but are vital if you want to keep the disease from spreading.
Conclusion
Answering the question given in the title, using ridesharing services during the pandemic is not entirely safe. To be fair, nothing is. All you can do is take certain precautions to decrease the chances of spreading the disease.
When riding Uber or Lyft, remember to cover your face, avoid touching anything, open the windows, stay quiet (and politely ask the driver to shut up), and keep as much of a distance as possible. Don’t be a Karen and implement these simple things every time you use rideshare