Whether it’s Downtown in New York or the Bay Area in San Francisco, weekday rush hours don’t look the same anymore.
The deserted streets are a result of COVID-19, a pandemic that is wreaking havoc in our lives.
In the last few months, the face of the American workforce changed drastically due to the raging pandemic. While a lucky few could turn to remote working, the rest had to entirely rely on the stimulus checks sent out by the federal government.
Just like other on-demand economy workers, the rideshare community seems to be stuck at a crossroads.
Although ridesharing hasn’t been halted in most states, business seems dull for most drivers in the country. Moreover, there’s a higher risk of getting infected by the virus while on duty.
In March 2020, Uber confirmed that its number of trips went down by 60-70% in major markets. Soon, other major companies followed suit, and eventually, the entire rideshare industry was staring at losses worth billions of dollars.
It’s been a year now, and it’s safe to say that rideshare options are regaining momentum. But the virus is still at large and remains an evident threat.
We, at Drover, decided to help drivers navigate through these tough times with this blog post. Read on to find out more about the dos, don’ts, and the must-never while ridesharing!
What Should Rideshare Drivers Do?
For starters, put the brakes on if you can. If driving is your side gig and you can survive without the extra income, don’t take to rideshare options till the pandemic ends.
If this isn’t an option for you like millions of Americans, you’ll have to open pandora’s box (read rules, guidelines, and more).
In January, the CDC issued an updated set of guidelines for all rideshare drivers to reduce the risk of catching the infection. Here’s a breakdown of the advisory -
1. Don’t Drive When Sick
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathing issues, get medical assistance immediately. Pay heed to the advice given by your doctors and take all necessary steps to improve your health condition.
During this period, isolate yourself for at least 14 days and get a COVID-19 test after the first five days. Keep away from members of your home and be doubly sure before getting back to work.
Even after getting back to driving, keep a tab on your health and get regular check-ups to avoid relapses.
2. Mask up at All Points in Time
It may seem quite evident by now, but we cannot stress this point enough. Get the right kind of mask and wear it as if your life depends on it.
While the government mandates masks in cabs and transportation hubs, it’s best to wear them whenever you’re not at home. Studies show that self-reported mask-wearing can reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 significantly.
It’s your best bet to safeguard yourself from people who don’t know that they are carriers of the coronavirus.
3. Limit Physical Interaction
Ask passengers to sit in the back seat as far as possible. Don’t take more than two people on board in a pooled ride.
Maintain a 6-feet distance whenever you’re stepping out of the car and ask riders to handle their belongings. We know you want to be courteous, but don’t offer water or other articles until the dust settles.
Insist on using digital modes of payment to avoid handling cash.
4. Clean, Sanitize, Repeat
Always carry a disinfectant and cleaning solution with you. Use them to clean the frequently touched surfaces at least twice a day, especially after dropping off unwell passengers.
Use appropriate disinfectants for your dashboard, seats, and windows. If there are stains or dirt, use a mild detergent to remove them before sanitizing the area.
5. Use Personal Hygiene as a Defensive Shield
Despite following all the other guidelines, you could catch the coronavirus if you don’t maintain proper hygiene.
Wash your hands regularly during the shift and use a sanitizer when water isn’t available. It’s essential to clean your hands after touching your mask, face, or handling foreign objects.
Don’t touch your face, nose, or mouth unnecessarily during the shift.
6. Ask Passengers to Follow the Norms
In their February 2021 notification, the CDC has made it mandatory for all public transport passengers to wear a mask. If someone refuses to do so, you can deny them a ride and report them to the authorities. Additionally, you can deny services to any person who looks visibly sick and might be a possible risk to you.
Keep a sanitizer handy for your passengers and prominently display the CDC guidelines in your car. Besides, it could come in handy whenever the question ‘is rideshare safe’ pops up during conversations.
Conclusion
The bottom line is you don’t have to sacrifice your livelihood to steer clear of the coronavirus necessarily. All it takes is maintaining good hygiene practices and following the COVID-19 protocols. While it might not make you virus-proof, it will reduce the risk to a large extent.
Most importantly, remember to pat yourself on the back at the end of every business day. After all, you’re helping people commute in a safe and eco-friendly manner even in this dire situation.
Want to know how you and your passengers contribute to the environment? Our rideshare blog lists out the benefits in this post.
