Asheville police urge caution when using rideshare services on New Year’s Eve
By Shelly Garzon
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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — As people head out to celebrate the New Year holiday, many will rely on rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft to get home safely. Local law enforcement is encouraging riders to remain cautious and aware when using those services during one of the busiest nights of the year.
“Trust your instincts most of all. If you got a bad feeling about the ride, you can end the ride at any point in time, ask to get out, and of course, in all emergency cases, call 911,” said Justin Lewis, senior police officer with the Asheville Police Department.
With crowds expected throughout the city on New Year’s Eve, APD says public safety remains a top priority. Officers will be working throughout the night and encourage the public to speak up if they see anything concerning.
“If you see something, report it. Please don’t fall for the bystander effect thinking that somebody else will call it in,” Lewis said. APD also recommends requesting rides from secure locations and limiting distractions while waiting.
“Don’t be outside distracted by your phone. It’s easy to just pass the time, do it inside your residence or wherever you’re at,” Lewis said.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft include safety tools like location-sharing features, allowing riders to share trip details with friends or family. APD encourages riders to use those tools whenever possible.
“Knowing who you’re getting in with[…] If you’re going to ride with a group, make sure you’re riding with a friend. The ride share has a share information on it to where you can share with a family or friend. At least text them, let them know where you’re going, who you’re with,” Lewis said.
Drivers say safety is also a priority for those working behind the wheel. Uber and Lyft driver Chris Codding said he prepares in advance for one of the most demanding nights of the year.
“I try and make sure the car is ready, get it nice and clean, and maybe put some mats down or some bags in just so everything is there that the people need,” he said.
Codding says New Year’s Eve can become busy quickly, with back-to-back trips throughout the night.
“I’m always taking six people, five people, back-to-back parties, going to the breweries, coming home from the breweries. It’s a lot of moving around, and then there’s a spike around 2:30 a.m.,” he said.
Drivers say the increase in ride requests means staying especially alert on the roads.
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