Rideshare Safety
My sister sent me this screenshot last night and I thought I’d share it with you all. Using ride share apps like Uber and Lyft are fairly common these days. I use them frequently when I’m traveling to and from the airport. While these apps are common, that doesn’t mean they are completely safe.
Please check that the vehicle make/model/color, license plate, and photo of the driver match with the person saying they are there to pick you up. Recently here in the US, a college student mistakenly got into a car she thought was her rideshare. Unfortunately, it was not and she didn’t make it home. Please check the information!
Some tips for staying safe:
Share your Trip & ETA; most of the rideshare apps have this function. If they don’t, copy and send the info to multiple people so that they know and can give it to the authorities should it come to that.
Again, confirm that the driver and car info matches before you get into the vehicle.
When you get into a vehicle, check that you can roll down the windows. Many cars have child locks which the driver can activate from the front of the car. It’s a safety mechanism so that windows and sometimes doors can not be unlocked by passengers (obviously made with little kids in mind). If you can’t roll down your windows, tell the driver you wish to open the window for a bit of fresh air. If he/she refuses, don’t just go with it. Insist that they unlock the windows or let you out.
Sit in the back seat. People who have sat in the front seat have had to deal with unwanted behavior, groping, or assault. While you can still be harassed, being seated in the back puts distance between you and the driver.
Keep a look out on your surroundings. Most rideshare apps allow you to track your ride before and during your trip. Be aware of that and remember to check out the windows to be sure your driver is taking the route he/she is meant to.
If out for the night, use a rideshare as a group; if you’ve been out drinking or it’s evening/night, do not get into a car alone. Whether it was 1 drink or 10, your judgement and ability to defend yourself is most likely impaired.
Remember that you can try and pry locks open manually on car doors.
Call 9-1-1 first (or if in a foreign country, use your emergency law enforcement #). Then, you can contact the rideshare company. Ride share apps do have emergency contact numbers:
Uber 800-353-8237 (800-353-UBER); you can also contact them using the app.
Lyft’s emergency contact line can be activated by using the “Call Me” button in the help center of the app.
Give feedback so others using the app can be aware of bad drivers. You can also contact the companies and report the behavior of drivers; help keep others safe.
Even if it’s the correct car and person, if you get a bad feeling or are not comfortable, DON’T use that ride. It’s better to lose the money than lose your life. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
Add any safety tips you have for using rideshares/cabs/etc. To my foreign friends, please add what emergency contact numbers and tips you think might be helpful as well.
Stay safe out there everyone.
