Uber driver had an ashtray in car and smelled of heavy smoke. I wanted to cry.
I had a ride today with a driver who had a 4.85 rating. I usually cancel and re-order to get a higher rated driver but I was in a hurry and went through with the ride. When they pulled up and I opened the door, I was immediately hit in the face with the putrid smell of cigarette smoke. I mean, this was BAD. Heavy cigarette smoke so bad I wanted to gag! It was the kind of smell that makes your eyes water. I honestly felt concern for the driver because there was no way this was in any way, shape or form healthy for them.
As I settled into their vehicle I looked over at the console and saw an ashtray that was sitting near the gear shift with a fresh cigarette just chillin' on the side that looked to be recently smoked. The windows weren't even rolled down to air it out. They were cracked very slightly. I was shocked how this driver thought it was acceptable or even okay to treat riders this way. What if I had asthma or COPD? What if I had a chronic cough or allergies to cigarette smoke? What if I had a medical event in their car and they had to pull over and call paramedics?
Look, what people use or abuse is up to them. I don't have a problem with people smoking cigarettes. Smoke away until the cows come home. This is America. What I DO have a problem with is when I am forced to breathe it in, especially when I am paying money for someone to provide a service. If an Uber driver smokes, they could at least make a token attempt to air out their car before the next passenger comes in so it is not absolutely drenched in cigarette fumes.
I was itching to get out of their car. Thankfully it was a short ride. But it was one for the books, that is for sure.