How to drive safely at night as a rideshare driver

Driving during the night is common among rideshare drivers, many of them even preferring to do so as the roads are often clearer. However, driving throughout the night does come with different risks to those you might expect when driving during the day. There are many ways to be safe when driving Uber at night and prevent accidents.

Here are some safety tips to consider on how to drive at night safely, when driving for Uber at night.

Heighten Your Defensive Driving Skills

Accidents are three times more likely at night due to reduced visibility and slower reaction times. To stay safe:

Maintain a Safe Distance: Always keep a safe gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space provides room for sudden maneuvers and enhances your visibility.
Reduce Your Speed: The posted speed limit may not reflect safe driving conditions. Slow down when necessary—your safety is more important than rushing.
Stay Alert for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Visibility is limited at night, making it harder to spot pedestrians and cyclists. Keep your eyes on the road and remain vigilant.

Don’t get behind the wheel when tired

Staying alert and refreshed is crucial when driving for Uber. Consider these tips:

Take Regular Breaks: Step out of your car to stretch and get some fresh air.
Engage with Passengers: Make conversation or play some lively music to keep the atmosphere upbeat.
Adjust the Environment: Roll down the windows or adjust the temperature to stay comfortable.
Know When to Rest: If you’re feeling fatigued, call it a night. You can make up for lost hours later, but your safety comes first.

Know when to call it a day, go home and get the rest you need.

Use your lights correctly

Proper use of lights is vital for nighttime safety. Regularly check:

All Your Lights: Ensure your low beams, high beams, daytime running lights, turn signals, and brake lights are functioning. Driving without working lights is not only illegal but also dangerous.
Avoid Blinding Lights: Keep your gaze away from oncoming headlights. Instead, focus on the left side of the road, following the white line to maintain your lane. If bright lights impede your vision, slow down but avoid sudden stops.

Be cautious with passengers

As a driver, you also have the right to be selective about your passengers:

Evaluate Passenger Ratings: If a passenger has a low rating (1-3), consider declining the ride. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s okay to refuse.
Cancel if You Feel Unsafe: If a pick-up location raises concerns or you encounter an intoxicated or disruptive passenger, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride and move to a safer location.
Watch for Suspicious Profiles: Be wary of riders with incomplete profiles or those using fake identities.
If a passenger’s profile seems suspicious, cancel the ride and wait for a verified user.

Set boundaries and rules on how to drive at night safely

Establishing clear boundaries with passengers can enhance safety:

Seat Positioning: Request that passengers sit in the back seat and buckle up.
No Smoking or Drinking: Inform passengers that smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed in your vehicle.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Make it clear that disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

Many Uber drivers opt to install dash cams in their vehicles. This can serve as a protective measure against harmful intentions and provide evidence in case of misconduct. If you’re a Splend customer, remember to seek permission from your Customer Specialist before installation.

By following these tips, you can enhance your safety and ensure a smoother driving experience while working for Uber at night. Drive safely!

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.