RIDEGURU
This is a shout-out to all of the women drivers out there. I’d like to know how you go about driving; it’s it your full-time gig, a side hustle along with another job/raising a family, and what you do to stay safe. I’ve previously posted about doing more rides with kid rideshare companies that allow me to do most of my driving on weekdays during the day.
Women Rideshare Drivers Unite
Posted 6 years, 3 months ago
Posted In
Ask a Driver
Do you have questions for your Uber anad Lyft drivers? What about tips and suggestions? Whether you are a driver or a rider, share your comments here and get responses from real rideshare drivers.
Posted By
Kristen Janet Kim (KristenJanetKim)
319
Rider
Driver
Ride Apprentice from San Jose, CA
Driver for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, HopSkipDrive, Kango, Zūm
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Comments
I generally drive 22-26 hrs per week, from early April through mid November. (Early morning - mid morning, M-F)
While this is now my "primary occupation," I'm also a retired military officer, retired financal advisor, and I own several rental properties across the nation which keep me busy during "off" hours.
Key to safe driving is knowing the streets and neighborhoods in your area, knowing when to say "screw you, I'm not taking that chance," and knowing how to handle yourself in emergencies. Can someone assault me? They can try, but I guarantee that they're not going to forget the ass whoopin' they're going to get in the process.
A good dashcam is essential, as is adequately notifying all pasengers that they're being recorded. (I just don't tell em that it's not just the dashcam, but also the 10" tablet that I use for navigation, and the 7" tablet on the back of the passenger headrest that all run in tandem)
I suggested in the past, half jokingly, that people should buy dividers or partitions.
Today I looked again, and they do make them.
https://www.taxidepot.com/partitions/
Features
High Impact 100% Clear LEXAN 3/8 polycabornate (abrasion resistance) TLC compliant.
Steel wall 14 gauge.
Passenger extra cushion comfort area.
Secure money paybox - Extra large.
Solid slide dynamic window with easy lock control.
Illuminated info/ID holder pocket (optional).
Fast response partition handle.
AC easy flow pass-thru (optional)
Steel main body wings.
Upperbody wings with nautic vinyl resistance cover
A camera in the car is always a way that you can feel safe. This way people are less likely to do something bad if they think their actions are being recorded.
The kid rideshare companies prohibit cameras in cars. I often do kid rides and Uber/Lyft back to back. Are they easy to set up and remove? I’ve never had one.
Wow, no kidding. I guess that makes sense. Can't record kids, huh
How do you not have a dashcam?!! :) Very important. It keeps riders in check and if anything happened you have proof. I have a 360 degree one basically has two cameras, one for the cabin and another for the road. Super easy to to install. Use suction to attach to the windshield, and USB cable for power
It's legal, because it is your car.
Why can't they record kids? Even kids lose their rights expectation to privacy when in public places? or in someone else's private property.
I don’t know why; all I know is that I read that in the materials for new drivers. My guess is that a parent complained about it, so it was banned.
They have new driver material?! Uber doesn’t. Hahaha
Yes, you have to have an in-person interview and go through either an individual or group orientation before you can start driving. You also have to successfully complete some online tests. You are driving people’s most treasured possessions, their kids!
The biggest advantage is that it makes riders behave.
I have never ever had a female rideshare driver pick me up. I have taken over 200 rides.
It depends on where you're located. In my market, approx 20-25% of us are women.
Where's that stat come from? Is that accessible?
No, I'm not doubting you. (Even though that seems super high to me.) I just am very curious and wondering what it's like in other cities.
I’ve had several, but the rideshare industry is dominated by men. It’s female dominated in kid rideshare though.
I'm not sure about ride shares, but driving a taxi has always be ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs...
Thanks for starting this thread KristenJanetKim, great idea!!