Five Safety Tips for Rideshare Drivers in Illinois and Indiana

Driving for ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft comes with all sorts of dangers. It is a unique job, especially here in our part of the country, where work can involve dealing with drunk passengers, who may be violent or sick; having to venture into sketchy neighborhoods; picking up a passenger who becomes belligerent or argumentative; picking up a group where bad things start to happen in the back seat (think frat party, for instance); or being targeted by riders or strangers for theft or assault. After all, the evildoers know the rideshare driver has a smartphone. Read, “Robbers Target Chicago Rideshare Drivers, Steal Cell Phones,” published by CBS News on September 15, 2024.

There are also the risks of motor vehicle accidents, where the rideshare driver may be hurt or killed in a car crash caused by things like bad weather conditions (especially in our notorious winter storms); driver fatigue; speeding; or distracted driving.

See, “Rideshare Accident Statistics Report 2026,” written by Stefan Wendt and published by Gitnux on March 25, 2026; and “Scary Stories and Dangerous Situations,” reported by Uber Drivers on Reddit.

5 Tips for Rideshare Drivers in Indiana or Illinois to Stay Safe

Of course, rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber offer their drivers all sorts of advice and tactics to keep safe while on the job. Insurance carriers with policy coverage for the rideshare driver also have guidance to provide, since they are interested in avoiding liability claims after an injury. Safety agencies (like RAINN) and advocates for worker victims and their loved ones have their own perspectives regarding driver safety, of course.

Here are five key considerations for anyone working as a driver for any ridesharing app here in Chicagoland; Indianapolis; or other parts of Illinois and Indiana:

1. Know the Basics Before You Start Driving

For any rideshare driver in Illinois or Indiana, the common denominator regardless of the ride is there may be challenges to face in both road conditions and weather forecasts. Bad weather happens fast here in the Great Lakes area (think Lake Effect Snow, for instance). See, “Lake Effect Snow Pummels Chicago As Dangerous Cold Expected to Linger,” written by Joe Ward and published by Block Club Chicago on January 25, 2026.

Our roads may need repair, and more and more drivers face dealing with road work construction zones, especially during the ongoing Project Rebuild Illinois.

Rideshare drivers are wise to do things like: (1) monitoring local weather forecasts and news alerts before a shift as well as (2) checking online with sites like the Indiana Department of Transportation TrafficWise website for road closures or construction work zones.

2. Check Your Vehicle Before Each Shift

Rideshare drivers are vulnerable to any failure or glitch in their vehicle. Even if it is drivable, it increases the risk of the driver being hurt in a collision. For more, read Heat and Tires: Summer Heat and Fatal Crashes Caused by Tire Blowouts; and Brakes and Fatal Auto Accidents: Duty of Care for Brake Upkeep and Maintenance.

This is especially true in extreme weather conditions, from our frigid winter temperatures to our summer heat waves.

Rideshare drivers are safer when they inspect their tires; lights; fluids; belts; brakes; and hoses before starting work. It is also prudent to make sure they have things like jumper cables; flares; etc. on board just in case.

3. Verify Your Passenger Before They Enter Your Vehicle

Sometimes, a rideshare driver will make a mistake and pick up the wrong passenger. Sometimes, an evildoer may try and jump into a rideshare before the rider can get there. Either way, it is smart for the driver to take precautions against a stranger taking over the ride.

Drivers should ask the rider to give them the driver’s name before they get in the car. They should confirm to the driver their destination, too. If possible, check the rider’s photo to make sure this is the right person. Use safety helps like Uber’s PIN verification if available.

4. Use Your Technology: Have a Dashcam and Keep Your Phone Charged

Video from a dashcam can be important evidence after a motor vehicle accident to confirm that the rideshare driver was not at fault in the collision. Dashcam footage can also be valuable in the event the driver is targeted for robbery or other criminal acts. See, “Dramatic Crash Caught on Dashcam as Authorities Issue Warnings to Drivers,” written by Storyful and published by Yahoo!News on March 26, 2026.

It is not necessary to have a dashcam (front and/or cabin) to be a rideshare driver, but it can be a great help in the event of a car crash or a crime. A dual-lens camera will be able to record not only the road but the interior of your vehicle.

Rideshare drivers have to have a smartphone to do the job, but the ridesharing app does not provide the phones (though they do have minimum requirements). Some drivers prefer to use a tablet because of the bigger screen. Either way, not only is this technology necessary to run the driver apps themselves, as well as stuff like Google Maps, they are also very important in the event of danger or an emergency.

Keep the phone or tablet charged. Make sure they work before you leave the house. Having a backup in the car isn’t a bad idea, either.

5. Trust Your Gut: Stop Work or End the Ride

The independence of this gig is great. The rideshare driver has lots of freedom and autonomy, but this comes with risks. Drivers need to be savvy and alert at all times. If the weather is getting bad, then it may be the best thing to call it a day even if you will miss some opportunities. After all, car crashes are never expected, and they can be life-altering in a matter of seconds.

If Google Maps is leading you to go a certain way, but you are wary about those directions, then think carefully. The technology can be wrong. And even if it is on point, if you think it may be dangerous to go that route, then respect that hunch. See, “The times people got seriously lost following Google Maps,” written by Nick Pearson and published by 9News on February 12, 2020.

Finally, consider your passenger. Be concerned about any rider that wants to set in the front seat: insist they sit in the backseat and wear a seat belt for safety. Be vigilant to what the rider is doing: if they are doing drugs, that’s a problem. If they are asking you for personal information, that’s a problem. If they are pushing you to change routes or destinations, that’s a big concern.

In these situations, end the ride. Get to a safe location and report the incident to the rideshare company as soon as you can.

Drivers Hurt on Rideshares: Injury Claims for Damages in Illinois and Indiana

For anyone working as a rideshare driver in our part of the country, there are lots of risks of being hurt on the job. The legal protections for these worker victims will vary depending upon state law as well as local ordinance.

Insurance coverage may vary for the rideshare driver hurt in an accident as opposed to a criminal act. It may be different as well for drivers on the job in Illinois or in Indiana, depending upon the application of the “common carrier” legal doctrine. See, Five Tips for Rideshare Safety For Riders in Illinois and Indiana.

Worker’s compensation coverage, where benefits are fast comfort for employees in both states may not be available for the rideshare driver hurt in a motor vehicle accident.

Rideshare drivers who suffer bodily harm while working in Illinois or Indiana have a right to investigate the reasons for their injuries and the possible legal liabilities placed upon not only the rideshare company but various third parties connected with their situation.

For more, read:

Rideshares are popular here, and driving for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare apps is a great job for lots of people. Dangers exist for these drivers that are specific to this type of gig, however. They face risks of serious personal injury while behind the wheel. Please be careful out there!