Considering working for Uber? Becoming an Uber Driver can help you supplement your full-time income, help you cover expenses if you’re in between jobs, or even provide enough income to support you full-time. But while you can make real money driving for Uber, doing so is not as simple as opening up the app every day and accepting riders. You’ll need to be strategic about when and where you accept fares. You’ll need to be personable to maximize tips, and you should know your service area well in case your navigation app fails. Here are five other things you should know before you accept your first ride: Plan for Expenses As a driver, you’ll have extra expenses, including gas, tolls, and excess wear and tear on your car. So you should determine how much you want to earn each week at the outset — a figure that should include an estimate of the additional expenses you incur. Doing so will help you determine where and when you try to pick up riders, as well as how long you’ll likely need...

Taxis or rideshare apps are often a convenient way to get around, but there are safety concerns that have existed since these services began. We’ve all heard stories of friends texting each other before they get in cars to ensure each other’s safety. Now, Google is testing a new Maps feature that it hopes may help make riders safer. According to Business Insider , the new feature will let people see when their driver veers off course — and their friends can track the journey live. The feature was originally spotted by XDA Developers . Riders will be alerted if their driver goes more than 500 meters off track.  For people who are trying to explore a new city, this can help give them peace of mind. Right now, the feature is only being tested in India, and there’s no public timeline for its release. Veering off a Google route is pretty common for drivers, but it’s still good feature for people who want to feel secure while they’re traveling on the road with a complete stranger. It’s...