As rideshare drivers for Uber or Lyft we get to have closer encounter with the general public than most. We are in a weird construct because of how much we see on a daily basis. Whether in a highly populated metropolitan city or the burbs, we see questionable things; things that have us to question our responsibility in the matter. So many times it burden me as an officer of almost 15 years if I was help aiding in a crime or if a crime is actually being committed and now I am the get-away car. But for the most part I have had to go with the following notion, “I am not the police.”. What is that line whereas you’re to intervene? I say it’s when you can clearly articulate and see a crime is being committed, you have an obligation to informing the authorities. If you recognize questionable / conspicuous activity there are hotlines with the local police or with Uber / Lyft to inform them or even the non emergency number at the local police department. Remember these rideshare companies are very aware of criminals using these platforms as vessels to help aid in their crimes, any information is useful and helpful. From my understanding they have complete units dedicated to investigating such claims.
Now, with that stated and with all that we see, we may not understand it, we may not agree with the lifestyles, but we must ask ourselves; 1. Is a crime taking place? 2. Am I or the rider in danger? 3. Does this need immediate attention from the authorities?
Look people your safety means everything, don’t go intergeting yourself into a situation to soon not having all the details. I know we want to help, but safety is first. I had a subscriber to my YouTube channel ask me “what do you do in those situations, do you just kick the person out of your vehicle?” and the answer is absolutely not! That can make the situation more hostile, aggravating a matter when it can end peacefully. Assess the situation carefully, I assure you, you may have the same situation 10x over, but will most likely handle it 10x differently. Be smart, be wise, be safe, and in some cases stay alive!
Today I don’t want to go into the types of activities that are questionable, but rather touch on a subject matter that is concerning to me and that is drivers not wanting to pick up certain types of riders that are legitimately working. I know some people have questionable professions, and we can select who we choose to pickup, but let’s not always throw the baby out with the bathwater. When working late nights I have picked up gentlemen club dancers, female bartenders, strippers, escorts, and those within the trans community that are dancers/performers.
These individuals are preyed upon and often depend on our services especially late at night or early early mornings. I hear their complaints and distress, I let them vent and here’s why I am writing this blog. I encourage you to watch my YouTube vlog for more detailed information, but to sum up the matter, there are measures we can take to helping servicing them without judgement. Their jobs are not criminal, if you pull up to their establishment or they tell you what it is they do you, are to complete the ride and remain professional at all times
This blog will be followed up in a series to cover all basis in hopes to help drivers feel more secure in pickups and drops off while becoming more aware of their situation awareness so they can properly cipher what’s criminal and what’s not.
THE CEO DRIVEHER 