When Five Stars Become One
We’d all love to maintain our five-star status, but ratings can quickly plummet. Whether it’s a driver’s loud music or a passenger’s unruly requests, certain behaviors turn peaceful drives into a complete nightmare.
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1. Unkempt Car
Pristine vehicles are a must for any Uber driver. Everything from crumb-free seats to air fresheners betters a passenger’s experience. That said, vehicle maintenance is just as important as cleanliness—no one wants a ride with shoddy breaks.
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2. Talking Too Much
Even if someone wants a silent ride, the request is often too awkward. The best Uber drivers make small talk but understand subtle passenger cues, leaving them alone if they seem disinterested or in a poor mood.
3. Missed Directions
We’ve all missed the odd turn here or there, but passengers trust their drivers to arrive safely. Blowing past someone’s street or making several wrong turns is not only unprofessional, but it also makes passengers feel unsafe.
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4. Distracted Driving
Drivers who answer calls on the road probably won’t see a tip. There’s really no reason to take calls, or worse, text while driving. Distracted drivers are a leading cause of accidents and that’s the last thing either party wants.
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5. Inappropriate Behavior
When you think about it, Uber rides are a little unnerving—you’re with a stranger, gave them your address, and are now trapped in their car. Thankfully, the company introduced new safety measures, but inappropriate behavior like asking for phone numbers or inquiring about partners is still a huge red flag.
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6. Being Rude
Passengers don’t want to deal with snippy drivers, especially if the behavior is unwarranted. Disagreements happen sometimes, but inexplicable coldness is a good way to work yourself out of a tip.
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7. Loud Music
Boy, it sure was nice when we could hear. Drivers shouldn’t blast music without at least asking first. Even then, loud tunes are distracting and slow down reaction time, making the overall drive far more dangerous.
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8. Ignoring Passengers
Good Uber drivers listen to their passengers. Tuning to referred radio stations or adjusting temperatures takes a ride from four to five stars. Similarly, ignoring passenger requests can knock that rating down.
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9. Bad Driving
Ignoring stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic, illegal turns—all signs of a bad driver. No passenger appreciates unsafe driving and frequent rule-breaking can lead to low ratings or even being reported.
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10. Not Following Protocol
Uber’s protocols ensure everyone’s well-being. Allowing passengers to ride without seatbelts or get drunk in the back shows a driver doesn’t really care about safety. Those aren’t the people you want to ride with.
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Passengers are just as responsible for pleasant rides, however. Here are 10 signs you’ve picked up a nightmare customer.
1. Late Arrival
Drivers expect passengers on time. The app lets you know where drivers are, which means there’s really no excuse for tardiness. Arriving late or making them wait is a quick way to earn one star.
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2. Making a Mess
Vehicles aren’t personal trash cans. Bring any garbage or leftover food home with you, no matter how small. You wouldn’t like it if a tornado swept through your backseat, so extend the same courtesy to others.
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3. Unreasonable Requests
This isn’t a rom-com—don’t ask your driver to speed through traffic or take unbeaten paths. Passengers are just as responsible for safety as drivers, so working together keeps everyone out of harm’s way.
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4. Changing Destinations
Drivers often don’t take kindly to last-minute requests. Don’t change destinations when you’re already in the car, especially if it’s farther. Uber drivers are on a ride-by-ride basis, so last-minute changes interfere with new fares.
5. Belligerence
It’s great that you opted for an Uber after a night out, but don’t badger the driver. Drunken misconduct distracts drivers and puts everyone at risk. Most vehicles come equipped with cameras, too, meaning out-of-pocket behavior is undoubtedly documented.
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6. Smoking in the Car
Smoking in the car isn’t good for anyone, but it’s particularly rude in someone else’s vehicle. Don’t light up in the backseat. If you can’t make the ride without a cigarette, at least ask the driver first (and respect their wishes should they say no).
7. Too Many Stops
Uber drivers aren’t personal chauffeurs—their job is to take you from point A to B, not waste their day with multiple stops. Detours cut into a driver’s schedule and prevent them from picking up new jobs, so have the route planned beforehand.
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8. Oversharing
Avoid spilling your guts to an Uber driver. As cathartic as venting is, drivers aren’t therapists, and oversharing makes them uncomfortable. Surface-level conversation is much better for all parties.
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9. Bringing More Passengers
The app tells you how many passengers can safely fit in a vehicle, so don’t bring more than that. Drivers won’t (and can’t) pack eight people in their Toyota and are well within their rights to deny riders who try.
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10. Rude Behavior
You wouldn’t want a rude driver, and they don’t want rude passengers. Be polite, don’t slam doors, and effectively communicate any issues before they fester.
