Uber Driving: 103: Common Sense & the Uber Map

(Not)

Don't get me wrong, the Uber map works great when it isn't sending you down city alleyways, the wrong way down one-way streets, cutting out in the middle of downtown Chicago or Uber instructing me to turn down streets that, for the sake of argument, may have been there at one time but surely isn't there now. Other than that, the Uber map works beautifully.

I'm kidding, of course. Although, all those things have happened to me while driving for Uber. It's not really a big deal, things happen. This is when "common sense" kicks in.

If you're instructed to do something that doesn't seem right, use common sense and let the Uber map figure it out. Continue driving safely and ignore Uber for the moment. Let Uber reroute itself and continue to drive safely. After Uber reroutes itself follow its instructions.

A good way to help Uber with these "glitches" is to have a pen & paper ready. Remember street corners, addresses and a brief description of the discrepancy. When you find time, write these down and get in contact with Uber either by going to one of their hubs or simply by email and explain the situation. Email is probably the best way to go.

Safety

For Both Uber Drivers & Passengers

Using "common sense" goes a long way. If you use it more often on a regular basis it becomes as frequent & automatic as breathing. Before a passenger for Uber gets into the car, there are a few safety precautions that should be performed:

1. Check and match the color of vehicle.
2. Check and match make & model.
3. Check and match the license plate number.
4. After opening the door, the Uber driver should ask for your name.
5. You may check the drivers name by asking or checking the placard on or near the right side dash.

Now there's a checklist for Uber drivers as well. An Uber driver has the right to refuse service to anyone that makes them feel unsafe. An Uber driver can refuse service if:

1. Passenger is unconscious.
2. Passenger is severely under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
3. Passenger becomes physically/verbally offensive or violent towards Uber driver or others.

Now, I'm not talking about getting turned down from an Uber driver after a few too many at the local pub. And yet, you thought wisely enough to call Uber for a safe ride home instead of driving home yourself. No... that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about pulling up to a bar and a few friends toss an obliterated individual into your car and this person is either completely out of it or completely insane.
Sorry...that's not me.

Share the Ride and Save

Is it really worth it?

Well, it depends on your situation. Are you going to work? Is time an issue? Are you expected to be somewhere at a special time? If ANY of these questions are answered "yes" then, maybe, Uber ride/share program may not be right for you.

Example:

I picked up Passenger A first. Passenger A was on its way to work and chose to use the ride/share program. I then picked up Passenger B & C from the grocery store. I helped load the groceries. Dropped off Passenger B & C at their destination and helped unload their groceries. Got back in car to take Passenger A to work. Had to pick up Passenger D. Dropped off Passenger D before taking Passenger A to their destination. Finally got Passenger A to work with five minutes to spare.

I'm not saying NOT to use the Uber ride/share program. I'm saying don't expect to arrive at any special time because you never can tell. If you're on your way home after leaving a restaurant, the movies or even a concert and you're in no BIG rush to get home then YES... the Uber ride/share program would be perfect.