Rideshare Safety Tips

When it comes to rideshare safety, there are a few key things to keep in mind. It is important to be prepared and protected all the time, especially when you hop in the car with someone else you don't know. Here are some rideshare safety tips to help keep you safe:

1. Verify your rider's identity: When you get in the car, make sure that the person who is driving matches the name and photo of the driver that was assigned to you through the rideshare app. If not, don't get in the car.
2. Use a dashcam: It can help to record what is happening both inside and outside of the car, which can be helpful if there's an incident.
3. Stay aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, both inside and outside of the car. If you feel like something is off or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation immediately.
4. Keep your personal belongings with you: Keep your purse, phone, and other personal belongings with you at all times. Do not put them in the trunk or anywhere else out of reach.
5. Don't give out too much information: When you are talking to your rideshare driver, don't give out too much personal information. Keep the conversation light and avoid discussing sensitive topics.
6. Follow your gut: If something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation immediately.
7. Use rideshare apps that offer safety features: Like Uber's Safety Toolkit or Lyft's Emergency Button.

In addition, it's always a good idea to have some form of personal protection with you. Guard Dog Security offers a wide range of self-defense products that can give you the peace of mind and protection you need while ridesharing. From stun guns to pepper spray, we have everything you need to stay safe. Check these recommended products we have for Drivers and Passengers.

For Drivers, we recommend:

1. Harm & Hammer's Pepper Spray with Glass Breaker is the best option for long-range defense, spraying up to 16 feet. The built-in glass breaker is ideal for rideshare trips, and the maximum strength MC spray formula provides essential defense against potential aggressors. Keychain accessibility is great for attaching this 1/2 Oz. can to purses, bags, car keys, or lanyards. Invisible UV dye helps identify aggressors in the event you must use your self-defense spray.
2. Olympian is a stun gun that has a flashlight, and pepper spray in a single hand-held design. Weighing just 4 oz., this powerful device provides high voltage stun capability that can immobilize aggressors, or preventatively scare them off with the sound of its powerful bolt. Up to 16 feet of pepper spray radius matters most when searching for the best pepper spray option, and Guard Dog provides just that. The 175 Lumen Flashlight also allows you to easily identify potential threats in any situation. It’s rechargeable with a wall charger and wrist strap included– making it easy to keep your Olympian at the ready whenever you need it.

For Passengers, we recommend:

1. Hornet + is a stun gun flashlight that has a concealed high voltage stun capability that can immobilize aggressors or scare them off with the sound of its powerful bolt. The rubberized grip and LED light make it easy to use in any situation, while the battery life indicator lets you know when it's time to recharge. Plus, the keychain accessibility is perfect for attaching to purses, bags, car keys, or lanyards.
2. Quick Action is a keychain pepper spray with a belt clip! This powerful self-defense tool is perfect for carrying with you at all times, whether you're walking to your car in a dark parking lot or out on a hike in the woods. The advanced OC spray formula provides maximum protection against aggressors, and the UV dye helps identify them in the event you need to use it. The keychain design and belt clip make it easy to attach to your purse, bag, or keys, so you can have peace of mind knowing you're always prepared.

No matter what rideshare safety option you choose, Guard Dog Security has the perfect self-defense product to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for long-range defense with our Pepper Spray or a powerful Stun Gun, we have everything you need to stay safe on your rideshare trips. Happy rideshare!