For those that are in the rideshare industry, we’ve got some good news for all of you - as restrictions ease all over the country and we’re on the road to recovery, slowly returning to a close-to-normal lifestyle before COVID-19, you’ll all probably see more business in the future.
While it will take some time before we can all go back to the true normal, easing of the restrictions gives us all a bit of a sense of normalcy that we all need, and a slow return to the same business that we once had.
But during this recovery process, it’s important to stay vigilant. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; by taking care of yourself, you take care of your family, your community and the entire world; part of doing your part is making sure that you stay healthy and don’t add to the number of COVID-19 cases so that the curve is fully flattened.
Compared to most people, rideshare operators, such as those with 13cabs, Uber, and DiDi will be in closer contact with more people. If you are one and you’re reading this, be sure to read till the end as this will include tips and tricks on how you can protect yourself during these times.
Uber has also released a set of guidelines for their drivers, which is an excellent reference for all rideshare operators that you can see here: https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/2/21161932/uber-lyft-coronavirus-driver-guidance-travel-restrictions
In light of the easing of these restrictions, here are our tips that we recommend that all drivers should take and follow:
Invest in some safety items inside your vehicle. Prime examples of these are face masks, 60% alcohol, and forehead thermometers. The Australian government doesn’t recommend wearing masks, but if you’d like to be safe while taking on passengers and driving around, we highly recommend that you do wear one, and remove it afterward. What the government is saying makes sense, too; if you’re not in a confined space and as long as you’re practicing social distancing, you needn’t wear a mask in public. On the other hand, being inside a car is a completely different situation altogether.
Uber is also quite adamant about the wearing of face masks, and it makes perfect sense. You are in a confined space with a stranger; so please make sure that you have a supply on you before going out for the day’s ride.
If you’re looking for some, we’re selling some masks of the highest quality for a limited run - get your surgical masks/N95 masks here today.
Cleaning materials, chief of which is an alcohol solution of 60-70%, is non-negotiable. You need to have it on your vehicle at all times. Another important thing to have on your vehicle at all times is disinfectant wipes, or at the very least, some tissues and a secure bin to throw them to after wiping down some high touch surfaces.
Make sure that you know what your car’s high touch surfaces are - that includes car door handles, window controls, the actual window, the steering wheel, and armrests.
Wipe these down as often as you can, ideally before a new passenger rides your vehicle, and when that passenger exits it. If you can get your hands on a disinfectant spray, do so and keep a supply in your vehicle for the day’s ride.
Observe proper hygienic etiquette, especially when sneezing or coughing. This is where a tissue comes in handy; cover your mouth and your nose completely, or if you can’t reach a tissue immediately, cough or sneeze into your elbow to prevent a spray. Everyone is scared and will be even more so when they’re in a confined space with someone coughing or sneezing; make sure that you’re observing proper etiquette to make your passenger feel safe.
Keep a log of who rides your vehicle. Should the worse come to pass, your rideshare app on your mobile device will be sure to have a log of your passengers for the day to contact trace with, but it doesn’t hurt to have a log of your own.
Getting a dual dash cam (which we’ve covered yesterday on why you need one) helps with keeping a secondary visual log that you can tie with your app’s logs. This is important as it determines who needs to be tested and who needs to be contact traced.
This mindfulness ultimately saves lives and shows our commitment to driving COVID-19 away for good. It might not seem much, but it’s these small actions that ripple out and create a positive effect.
If you’re looking for dual dash cams, we highly recommend this one for rideshare operators: Our 2k Elinz dash cam, equipped even with infrared for the inner camera (the same that can be found for security cameras) that allows you to record even for your rides at night (which is important as there are lots of people that still travel at night but visibility inside the car is terrible at evenings).
And most importantly- after your ride for the day, do take the time to clean up thoroughly. That means taking a long bath, making sure that your clothes are thrown in the bin as soon as you get home, and observing proper hygiene.
We’re winning the battle here in AU against the coronavirus and restrictions are already week by week. If all goes well, we’ll hopefully be COVID-19 free in the country. Small actions like being careful with your work as a rideshare operator mean so much, as it helps break the transmission of the virus.
For more information, do refer to your rideshare platform’s website, where there is bound to be news and tips like these. Stay updated, and follow your platform’s directives to stay safe!
Stay informed, stay safe and happy driving for all you drivers out there!
