RIDEGURU
DrJill SM (DrJill)
Ride Apprentice from Washington, PA, USA
Less Stress = Better Health
81 DriverI drive for rideshare when I do not have clients in my stress management clinic or in my PTSD clinic. Driving meets two goals for me: Meeting lots of interesting people and making sure my budget balances when clinics are slow. I am a proud grandma of a grandson and a granddaughter - love to trade kids stories. I have a hobby of 18th Century Living History [French & Indian War time period] and I weave lace and ribbons and shawls for that time period. Also, I am an excellent hearth cook - good stuff comes out of my black kettles.
Both Lyft and Uber have rules about sinage advertising anything on cars that are used on their platform. I have magnetic signs that I must remove before driving. I forgot once and got reported by the Pittsburgh International Airport Police and that was for a drop off and NOT a pick up. I got banned from the air port for 2 weeks and got an email and a text that I was in violation of the platform policy.
I question being able to drive a wrapped car on the Lyft or Uber platform as both forbid roof signs or magnetic advertisements on the exterior of a vehicle.
A double camera one side facing rear seat and other facing the road is the way to go for safety.
I am in Pittsburgh PA - local laws do not forbid outside or inside advertising. However, both Lyft and Uber forbid magnetics, rooftop ads on the outside of the vehicles while they are being used for rideshare. I have my company magnetics on when I am not driving for rideshare as I do not want to get fined or deactivated.
It will be well known very soon where all the distribution places are for medical marajuana. Anyone could follow someone leaving any of these distribution places carrying anything. I think that would be a good enough advertisement of high potential for good robery score.
There are 4 distribution places right now in Pittsburgh PA and I know where they are and I am not a customer. They have signs up stating that they are distribution places --- sooooooo I am not going to consider stopping there and then exiting with anything in my hands that could be thought of as merchandise from there.
I have not driven for Eaze and I would never deliver marijuana. It is not that I am against medical marijuana, I am not against it. I am against being mugged and robbed etc. There are many nut cases out there that would be delighted to go after this old lady for the stuff in her car. So never never. Just morning rush hour riders and occasional meals.
I work 6-7 hours a day [ in Pittsburgh, PA] and gross $100-$125 after driving expenses it is lots lower. So to do the $1,000 per week you need a cheap to operate vehicle and put in 12 or more hours a day.
I agree that according to law the Uber driver was definitely in the right to protect himself from the threatened deadly force. I just wonder how Uber handled it as they have a policy for drivers and riders of zero tolerance for weapons in the vehicle. Uber suspended him, no surprise there as Uber always sides against the drivers. But, I would rather beg forgiveness for having a weapon and using it to save my life than be dead and gone just because of a hot head and Uber rules. Yes I have a concealed cary permit for my state - do I carry all the time? I am not telling.
I have actually had parents call for rideshare for their children who missed the bus! Most of them have been highschool seniors not elementary children. I have had one parent call a rideshare to take a sick child home from school. This child was 6th grade according to the school nurse. I told the school nurse that an adult had to accompany the child to her home - and I would be glad to bring the supervising adult back to the school. So, the school nurse grudgingly came along for the ride. I drive for Lyft and Uber and these issues are occurring in Pittsburgh, PA. Jill SM
The flooring it with gas then stamping hard on the brake is simple physics.... If you floor the gas pedal with someone on your hood or in your car [especially without a seat belt] they will be pressed back to the windshield or backrest of seat. Stop in a hurry and there is nothing to press them back and they WILL FLY forward! If the guy is buckled in your best bet is to hit something going 40 to 45 mph -- best if head on towards the passenger side. Then get ready to get out in a hurry! Your air bag will mess with him in a front end crash giving you a little more time to get out. You know it is coming and when so you should be prepared to bug out!
For the ladies - do cary a pocket purse or a smallish one with a cross body strap. Have an extra cell phone in it so all you do is pull keys and duck and run!
Yes, I do cary hornet spray as a direct face shot will blind the recipient requiring a hospital to "fix the issue" -- not as much risk to use inside the car as mace which could affect driver also.
Best thing is gut instinct -- If something seems wrong or "off" end the ride! Stop in a public area with your keys [and second phone] saying you heard something funny and need to check it out. Get out, get into the crowd and call for help. Your ride share company will have info on the rider to help the police track him down if he also leaves your vehicle.
I am involved with a PTSD/Trauma Life Coaching group. I urge anyone that is depressed and anxious to "Do Something Right Today" when everything else seems to be wrong. Watch this and then get follow-up from one of our certified coaches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtNscBVMnNo
I was NOT a rideshare driver when a guy jumped on the hood of my car while his buddy was reaching into my car. through the open window I clocked the window guy with a can of peas [that was in a grocery bag on the front seat] at the same time as stamping on the gas. I went 1/2 block, slammed on the brakes and the hood guy went flying. I accelerated and turned and the window guy went to check on his buddy.
So my take is unlock his seat belt if you can -- if he is in the back seat he might not have it on. Give it gas then slam on the brakes. If seat belt is on then accelerate and hit something rather sturdy - like a telephone pole on his side of the car. When almost stopped get out of the car - keep a spare cell in your pocket.
I am a 69 yo female and driving ride share so the option of jumping out of a moving vehicle and rolling would not have a satisfactory outcome. I cary mace, also. I also have a spray can of hornet spray - rather better than mace as it will blind him -- just make sure your window is open so you can still function.
Considering that I work part time for Lyft and make $600 to $900 per WEEK, I am SO GLAD I do not live in Chicago. This is a very poor compensation for giving up my employment!