As a rideshare driver, there are two things you rely on to do your job: your car and your mobile phone. The car is an obvious necessity and your phone is essential for the rideshare apps. It’s how you get your ride requests and directions for passenger pick-up and drop-off locations.
You really can’t drive without using a phone, but you also can’t use a phone while driving. To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers and other road users, there is no other gadget you need more than a hands-free phone mount.
Phones are a Dangerous Distraction
No matter how experienced a driver you are or how safe you consider yourself to be behind the wheel, the smallest of distractions can be fatal. And, one of the biggest distractions you can experience while driving is your cell phone— using your phone takes your eyes and your mind off the road and your hands off the wheel.
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes involving a distracted driver every single day.
Here are a few more shocking statistics from Safer America about driving and cell phone use:
- In 2017, more than 3,000 people were killed due to distracted driving
- One of every four car crashes in the States is caused by phone usage while driving
- Drivers are 12.2 times more likely to crash while driving and dialing
- Cell phone use while driving leads to around 1.6 million crashes every year
- It takes around 5 seconds to read or send a text, and if driving at 55 mph that is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed
- It takes only 3 seconds after a distraction for an accident to happen
When you drive for a living, you spend a considerable amount of time on the roads and in all conditions. This means that the likelihood of being involved in an accident is much greater for you than it is for general road users.
You need to use your phone for your work as a rideshare driver. Phone mounts provide safer access to your smartphone while keeping distractions to a minimum and reducing the risk of having an accident.
How do Phone Mounts Work?
Phone mounts allow you to view your phone and use rideshare apps safely while driving. You can attach the mount to your dashboard or windshield and then place your phone in the mount. It keeps your phone secure and more importantly, in your line of vision so you can see it with the quickest glance. You can watch the road and keep an eye on the GPS navigation or accept ride requests with minimal movement or distractions.
Keep in mind that windshield phone holders are illegal in some states. Make sure you are compliant with the law for your local area.
More Reasons Rideshare Drivers Need a Phone Mount
While safety is the number one reason rideshare drivers should have a phone mount, there are other benefits.
No Need for a Separate GPS Device
Everything is on our phones nowadays, including our GPS navigation. Having just one device for everything cuts down the distractions while driving. By using a phone mount, you can keep your technology handy and easily follow directions.
Tax Deductible
When you work as a rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft, you are an independent contractor. Anything you purchase for your rideshare business can be declared and deducted from your taxes.
Passenger Peace of Mind
Remember, your passengers will be rating you as their driver. If you are constantly fiddling with a phone, then they aren’t going to feel safe! When people see your phone mounted and secured and your hands on the wheel, then they will feel more at ease. They may even give you a more generous tip!
Safety should be a huge concern for all rideshare drivers. There are plenty of tools out there to help you provide safe journeys and protect yourself and your car. Check out the reasons why dash cams are also a great idea for rideshare drivers.
