There are countless stories of rideshare safety incidents in the media these days and driver safety is a topic I get a lot of questions about from new drivers. And even though the odds of something happening while driving are low since Uber does millions of trips a day, it’s still a real fear for some drivers.
Today’s guest is an Uber and Lyft driver and safety expert. Ben Branam has devoted his entire career to various driving and protection type jobs. He’s served in the military, driven big rigs and now runs a blog and podcast all about self protection.
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
Intro
- Welcome to episode 52! Today we’re going to be talking with Ben Branam on staying safe while driving
- Safety is a topic I hear about a lot from a lot of new drivers who are worried about the potential issues
- Ben has a really cool background: he’s an Uber and Lyft driver, and that general driving experience combined with a safety and self-defense background makes him really interesting to talk to
- Today you’re going to get some actionable tips to stay safe, so stick around to the end!
- If you’re having trouble tracking your mileage and want to make sure you’re taking advantage of all tax benefits, check out Triplog! Use the code ‘RSG‘ when you sign up to save an additional 20%! Make sure you’re taking advantage of every tax benefit you can as a driver
- Missed an episode of one of our podcasts? Click here
An Interview With Ben Branam
- Ben has had a varied career, from the Marines to self-defense instruction, security contractor and now an Uber driver
- Began driving on Christmas 2o16, always enjoyed driving and was good at it
- Great opportunity to talk to people and Maximum Ridesharing Profits really helped
Self-Defense Training
- Runs a company called Modern Self Protection that helps people learn how to defend themselves, also runs a blog and podcast
- Some of the initial concern stems from taxi drivers – being a taxi driver is one of the most dangerous jobs you can do statically
- But you are letting complete strangers into your car, so there is a concern there
- Sometimes it’s the passengers who might be a little wary of you too
How to Protect Yourself While Rideshare Driving
- At all costs, try avoid the fight – if you feel apprehensive about giving a ride to someone, just don’t do it
- It’s okay to cancel rides. Your safety is more important than anything
- Check out the area ahead of time. Get to know your surroundings
- If someone tries to start a fight and they’re not in your car, drive away
- If someone is trying to hurt you in your car, leave the car. Your life is worth way more than your vehicle
- Don’t let anyone take you somewhere. If you’re being forced to drive somewhere, crash your car
- If someone is hitting you from behind, get out of your car. They’ll be mad, but you won’t be getting hit anymore
- Report assaults to the police, too. Don’t try to handle it yourself
- If someone won’t get out of your car, report it to the police and give them your exact location. Law enforcement wants to help you, so don’t feel like you shouldn’t call them
Driving 101
- It may seem silly, but re-learn or remember everything from Driving 101. Drive carefully, look for stable roads, don’t follow too close
- Be careful with your tires and let your car warm up first
- In residential neighborhoods, drive carefully and slowly and watch for kids
- Always be prepared to have to sleep in your car – you never know what storm could happen, so keep some food, water and blankets with you
Outro
- As a rideshare driver, you have to learn how to listen and multitask
- Even these small steps, like Driving 101, will help you be a better driver
- Remember your safety is the most important thing
- You can email Ben at: Ben@modernselfprotection.com
- Modern Self Protection
- Don’t forget to track your miles with Triplog! Use the code ‘RSG‘ when you sign up to save an additional 20%
- Feel free to reach out to me at harry[at]therideshareguy.com or follow me on Twitter @TheRideShareGuy
- Leave comments, questions and feedback below!
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
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