Q: What should you do if you get pulled over while in an Uber?
A: This all depends if the passenger or the driver is getting pulled over. In the case of a burned-out light in the driver's car, this does not involve the passenger, who should remain quiet.
If the driver gets pulled over for running a red light at the passenger's request, then the passenger would be the responsible party. In this case, the passenger should offer to pay the fine and take responsibility for the consequences. But ultimately, the Uber driver is responsible for everyone in the car and the road, and would be responsible because he or she broke the law.
It's important for passengers to have empathy and be tolerant of the things that can't be predicted. Be mindful of the impact passengers' actions have on the employment of an Uber driver because they could threaten the livelihood of the driver.
_ Julie Blais Comeau, chief etiquette officer at Etiquette Julie
A: You called an Uber on your way home from the grocery store, so you wouldn't have to walk three-quarters of a mile home from the train.
Suddenly, you hear the wee-woo wee-woo of the police. Your Uber driver is sweating in the front seat, you're sweating in the back seat and your Lean Cuisines are sweating in the trunk.
The first stage of getting pulled over in an Uber is the I'm going to be late stage. You need to put these groceries away, get dressed, and turn around and make a 7 p.m. dinner reservation. You understand the irony of going out to eat after spending $75 on groceries, but you refuse to grow or change. You're an adult.
The next stage is wondering what your Uber driver is getting pulled over for. Was he speeding? Is this a stolen vehicle? Were you about to be abducted?
The third stage is panic. Did you double-check the license plate before you got in? Is this really your Uber or just some guy with two cellphones in the car?
The fourth stage is fight or flight. First you get ready to fight because you might be in danger. You try to see if you remember any of the martial art moves you learned in sixth grade gym class. Should you call another Uber? You could ditch the Prego and make a run for it.
The final stage is acceptance. You open the Uber app to report a problem. You ask for a refund.
_ Liz Weiner, actor and comedian
