Tips to Rideshare Safely

Ridesharing has become more popular in recent years, as it’s cost-effective and safer to avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s also a convenient service for individuals who don’t own their own vehicles or when people feel too tired and drowsy.

In particular, there are a lot of young college students who utilize ridesharing services since many don’t have their own cars, and it’s a convenient and safe way to get home while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or otherwise incapacitated, such as feeling sick or sleepy. However, this creates a dangerous situation for those utilizing services in these situations. When under the influence and intoxicated, the awareness of the surroundings become inhibited, and this can cause a vulnerable situation for someone to be sexually assaulted or otherwise harmed.

Statistics from a report in 2019 detailed how Uber received almost 6,000 reports of sexual assault perpetrated by drivers to riders within the span of two years. In its first safety update of December 2019, Uber reported 3,045 sexual assaults, 9 murders, and 58 crashes in rides in the United States in 2018. Lyft still has yet to release its report of sexual assault incidents since June 2021, despite pledging that they’d do so three years prior. It’s significant to recognize that this reported number is most likely much lower than the actual number, since individuals affected by sexual assault seldom report their assaults.

Not only are intoxicated individuals at risk, as rideshare services are becoming a common mode of transportation overall for individuals who don’t have their own vehicles or prefer rideshare services over public transportation. As a college student, I know many peers who utilize rideshare services as a way to get home, to a friend’s house, or even go to work. Additionally, as someone who doesn’t own a vehicle, it can often feel like a burden to ask others for a ride. This makes ridesharing appeal as a better option as compared to asking for rides, or public transportation which might not be an option, accessible, or has a longer travel time.

With ridesharing being such a common way of transportation, what are some ways to keep ourselves and others safe? It’s important to keep in mind that while people can actively engage in safe behaviors and be cautious of their surroundings, they are never at fault or to blame for the harm that is done to them. It is never the survivor’s fault!

Some general safety tips for using rideshare services from both Uber and Lyft are:

Making sure you’re in a safe environment while requesting your ride.

• While requesting a ride, make sure you’re inside of a safe place and preferably waiting with friends or family members.
• Avoid spending any unnecessary time standing outside until the app notifies you that your driver has arrived.

Confirm the driver’s identity.

• Make sure to match the car’s make and model, license plate number, and the driver’s photo that’s given to you via the app.
• Have the driver confirm your name by asking “Who are you here to pick up?”

Entering the ride safely.

• When entering, close and open the door immediately to ensure child locks are disengaged.
• Whenever possible, try to ride behind the driver in the backseat to allow a safe exit if needed and maintain personal distance between you and the driver.

Share your location with loved ones.

• Share your location with loved ones when on route via:
• Uber’s “share trip status” feature.
• Lyft’s “send ETA” feature.
• iPhone’s “share my location” feature.
• For Android users, you can do so via Google Maps or the Life360 app.

Travel in groups when possible.

• There’s safety in numbers. Try riding with friends, especially when under the influence, sick, or sleepy.
• Consider carpool options via Uber Pool or Lyft Lane.

Trust your instincts.

• If you sense danger, call for help using 911.
• If possible, get out and away from the vehicle into the nearest open/public space.
• Make a commotion by yelling and making a lot of noise if a threat is imminent.
• Utilize Uber’s Emergency Line or Lyft’s Safety Center through the app.

** While intoxicated, it’s best to have someone you trust alongside you to ensure the vehicle is safe to enter, watch your surroundings, and monitor your location. Try to have a designated sober friend with you while going out!**

With rideshare services becoming more popular and common as a mode of transportation, it’s important to understand the safety risks and know what precautions we can take to try to protect ourselves. Whether you’re using rideshare services on a night out with friends or simply using it as a safe alternative to get home, do so safely. Trust your gut! If you’re ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, call for help and end the ride. Most importantly, remember that it is never the survivor’s fault for the harm or violence that occurs.

Now that you know some tools and tips to promote safety with ridesharing, what are other ways you can think of that aren’t included here?