Uber and Lyft ride-sharing apps are incredibly convenient and, most of the time, safe. But unfortunately, there are times when things can go wrong. Whether you’re using a ride-sharing service for a night out, traveling, heading to the airport, or simply getting across town, it’s important to use common sense and a few simple safety precautions.
These safety tips for ride-sharing can help you—and the people you love—feel more confident every time you get into a rideshare vehicle.
Please share these tips with your family and friends, especially college-age kids and anyone who frequently uses ride-sharing services.
12 Safety Tips For Ride Sharing
Always check the license plate and driver photo
Always check the license plate, vehicle information, and driver photo in your app before getting into the car. It sounds pretty basic, but you may be surprised how many people don’t take a moment to make sure everything matches.
Don’t rely on the Uber or Lyft logo or decal on the windshield. Before you open the door, confirm that the vehicle, license plate, and driver match the information shown in your app.
And if you’ve been drinking, this step is especially important. Take an extra moment to double-check before getting into the car.
Make the driver tell you your name
When the car pulls up, don’t announce, “Are you here for Pattie?” Instead, let the driver tell you who they’re picking up.
The driver should already have your name through the app and should be able to identify you without you providing that information first. This simple precaution can help prevent you from accidentally getting into the wrong vehicle.
Don’t get in the car just because it has a logo in the window
Don’t get into just any vehicle displaying an Uber or Lyft logo. It can be tempting when you’re standing outside waiting for your ride, especially if someone approaches you and says they can take you sooner.
If someone you aren’t expecting offers to drive you, don’t get in.
This actually happened to me once while I was waiting outside a restaurant for my ride. Another driver pulled up with a rideshare logo and told me it would be “quicker” for them to take me because my driver was supposedly stuck in traffic.
I declined and waited for the driver assigned to me through the app.
Share your status
Use the ride-sharing app’s safety features to share your trip details or ETA with someone you trust. This allows a friend, spouse, parent, or family member to follow your trip and know where you are going.
It’s an easy precaution that can provide an extra layer of safety, particularly when you’re traveling alone or riding late at night.
Screenshots are your friend
When your driver is assigned, take a screenshot of the driver photo, vehicle information, and license plate and send it to someone you trust.
My daughter and her friends did this when they first started using Uber. It meant that I immediately knew who she was riding with and what vehicle she was getting into.
It only takes a few seconds and can give your family peace of mind.
Trust your instinct
I call it your “UH-OH Feeling.” If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to change your mind and refuse the ride.
Both my daughter and I have refused to get into a rideshare when something just didn’t seem right.
For my daughter, the driver who arrived was visibly angry about the road closures and began yelling at her. She refused to get in.
I once got into an Uber and immediately noticed the driver smelled strongly of alcohol. I said, “Oops, I forgot something,” got back out of the vehicle, and requested another ride.
If you believe your driver is impaired, aggressive, or otherwise making you uncomfortable, you don’t have to stay in the car. Get to a safe location and request another ride.
Have a safe code
Consider creating a simple code word or signal with someone you trust.
For example, my daughter and I use the letter “X” in a text message to indicate that something is wrong and she needs help. It gives you a quick way to communicate that you’re uncomfortable without having to explain the situation.
Choose something simple that your family or friends will recognize immediately.
Be cell savvy
Make sure your phone’s location services are enabled and that you know how to share your location with someone you trust.
Features such as Apple’s Find My or location sharing on your phone can help family or friends know where you are.
Before heading out, make sure your phone is charged and that you know how to use the location-sharing features you rely on.
Keep your cell phone handy
This is super important!
Your phone won’t do you much good in an emergency if it’s buried at the bottom of your purse or backpack.
Keep it somewhere easily accessible during the ride so you can quickly make a call, check your route, contact someone, or use the app’s safety features if necessary.
Don’t overshare
If the driver starts asking whether you have a boyfriend, husband, or partner; where you live; whether you live alone; or what your work or school schedule is, you don’t have to answer.
There’s no need to share intimate details about your life, your daily routine, or where you will be later.
The same rule applies if you’re sharing a ride with another passenger. Be friendly, but remember that you don’t owe a stranger personal information.
Watch your intake
Many people use Uber or Lyft to enjoy a night out without having to drive. That’s a great reason to use a rideshare service, but it doesn’t mean you should become so intoxicated that you can’t take care of yourself.
This is especially important for college students and young adults.
Know your limits. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your phone accessible, and avoid falling asleep or becoming so impaired that you can’t recognize when something is wrong.
A rideshare driver is there to provide transportation—not to take responsibility for your personal safety.
Check the driver rating
Before getting into the vehicle, take a look at the driver’s rating and other information available in the app.
If you aren’t comfortable with a driver’s rating or something else about the trip, you can choose not to take the ride.
Personally, I have always considered a very low rating a reason to choose another driver. Trust your judgment and don’t feel pressured to accept a ride simply because the vehicle has arrived.
The Bottom Line: Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts
Ride-sharing services can make getting home safer and easier, but your own awareness is still your best safety tool. Take a few seconds to verify your driver and vehicle, share your trip with someone you trust, keep your phone accessible, protect your personal information, and never ignore that “UH-OH Feeling.” A little preparation can go a long way toward making your next ride safe.
Share these safety tips for ride-sharing with your family and friends—especially young adults and college students—so everyone can enjoy the convenience of Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services while staying smart and safe.
