7 Ways to Stay Safe When You Use a Rideshare Like Uber or Lyft

Rideshare apps make getting where you need to go extremely convenient. Simply open the app, let it know that you need a ride, and someone will be on their way.

Unfortunately, just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s always safe. Sobering statistics from between 2017 and 2019 reveal that more than 4,000 people were assaulted during a Lyft ride. Ten people actually died during altercations, and over 100 people died in crashes involving a Lyft driver.

That doesn’t mean you should give up on rideshare apps altogether. It does mean that you should follow these seven tips to stay safe whenever you call a ride with Uber or Lyft:

  • Double check your driver’s rating
  • Have the driver confirm your name
  • Request a ride indoors
  • Ride with others whenever possible
  • Make sure someone knows where you’re going
  • Monitor your own ride
  • Wear your seatbelt

Double Check Your Driver’s Rating

One of the quickest and easiest things you can do before you get in a rideshare vehicle is to double check your driver’s rating.

Previous passengers are able to rate the driver so that future riders know what to expect. Riders receive ratings and sometimes receive more detailed feedback, which can even include compliments and thank-you notes.

If your driver has a high rating, has previous accolades, and if they have achievement badges that show they have been driving for a while, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re probably going to have a good experience getting to your final destination.

Have the Driver Confirm Your Name

You should always make sure the ride that shows up on the curb is actually the ride you ordered. It ensures you don’t fall for a scam and end up in a dangerous situation with a driver who is only posing as a Lyft or Uber driver.

You should always compare the car’s make and model to what’s listed in the ridesharing app. Double check the license plate and look for Uber or Lyft stickers in the vehicle’s window, but that’s not all you should do. You should also ask the driver to confirm your name when they pull up to the curb.

Ask the driver, “Who are you picking up?” It’s the quickest way to know if the person picking you up is actually a Lyft or Uber driver. If they don’t know your name, don’t get in the car. 

Request and Wait for Your Ride Indoors

It can be convenient to order an Uber or Lyft when you’re outside and waiting for a ride anyway, but it’s actually safer to do it indoors. Pickpockets are always on the lookout for people who are distracted. If they see you fiddling with your phone, they may assume you’re an easy target.

The same thing applies when waiting for your ride. Try to do it inside, especially at night. It leaves you less exposed to troublemakers on the street. It also increases the chances that you’ll be seen coming or going, which could end up being very useful, should something go wrong.

Ride With Others Whenever Possible

The old adage is true. There is safety in numbers. That means, whenever you’re ready to hop in a rideshare vehicle, you should do it with others whenever you can.

You can always plan to ride with a friend or a family member, but you could also ask others. If you’re leaving a bar or a concert has just ended, ask other people in the lobby if they would be interested in sharing a ride.

Uber and Lyft also offer ridesharing options, which just means they’ll group you up with other riders who are going in the same general direction as you. It’s an easy way to make sure you don’t ride alone.

Make Sure Someone Knows Where You’re Going

It’s always a good idea to make sure someone knows where you’re going at all times. It’s true if you’re going hiking alone, it’s true if you’re traveling alone, and it’s true if you’re getting ready to hop in a rideshare vehicle, especially if you’re riding alone.

All it takes is a quick text message to a friend or family member to let them know that you’re leaving one location and getting in a rideshare vehicle.

Some platforms also allow you to share your trip status with friends and family. For example, Uber allows you to press “Share trip status” in the app and contacts you select will be notified of your trip and expected arrival time.

Monitor Your Own Ride

Both Uber and Lyft allow you to track your driver as they approach your location. If they aren’t expected to get there for another few minutes, but someone pulls up to the curb claiming to be your ride, you’ll know something isn’t right.

You should also track your ride using the GPS on your phone when you’re in the vehicle. Not only does it allow you to make sure your driver is taking you where you’re supposed to go, but it also gives you the ability to help the driver navigate your route if you’re on a tight timeline or in an unfamiliar area.

Wear Your Seatbelt

A lot of the advice out there about staying safe in a rideshare vehicle has to do with making sure your driver is safe, but it’s important to remember that no matter what, you’re getting into a vehicle that could end up in a car accident.

You should always wear your seat belt, even if you’re sitting in the backseat. You should also make sure there is a seat belt available for every rider in your party. That way you’re protected if you do get into an accident.

Uber and Lyft can be great ways to get around, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Taking just a few seconds to follow the tips on this list will bring you peace of mind and increase your chances of experiencing a pleasant ride.

Vivek is a published author of Meidilight and a cofounder of Zestful Outreach Agency. He is passionate about helping webmaster to rank their keywords through good-quality website backlinks. In his spare time, he loves to swim and cycle. You can find him on Twitter and Linkedin.