Here Are Some Tips To Stay Safe During Your Next Uber Ride | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

How To Stay Safe When Riding Lyft/Uber

Your safety is more important and it will save another life!

209
How To Stay Safe When Riding Lyft/Uber

In This Article:

During the past couple of months, there have been many incidents that challenged the safety of drivers and passengers. Back in March of 2019, a South Carolina college student named Samantha Josephson was tragically murdered after entering the wrong car, which she believed was her Uber ride. She was waiting outside and standing alone after a night out. Most importantly, she was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her, only for it to be taken away by someone so cruel. After hearing the news, I started becoming super paranoid about riding Lyft/Uber. I started to become highly cautious when it came to the license plates matching the ride as well as the driver confirming his/her/their name. It is important for passengers to ask, "What is my name?" before entering the car. You never know who you get into a car with because there are sick people in this world.

Like Samantha, there are hundreds of other victims whose names go unheard and it is scary. However, us passengers have to stick together and stay safe. Here are some important guidelines you should follow if you are nervous about your next Uber/Lyft ride:

1. Always wait INSIDE for your ride!

This is to make sure you don't instantly hop in the first car you see. The app will notify you when the driver arrives. I know you want to be ready and wait outside for the person to come, but there is a 5-minute wait time, which gives you enough time to get to the pickup location.

2. When the car arrives, make sure you match up the model, make, year and license plate.

It is very important to always check who you are getting in the car with. make sure the license plates match the one listed in the description as well as the make and model. If the driver happens to switch cars, DO NOT get in the car, even if it is the same person.

I say this because my friends and I had a driver who switched cars and had a 4-seater car, but we requested for an Uber XL for 6-7 people. Luckily, we didn't get in the car and cancelled it because the guy was weird anyway.

3. Before opening the door, ask the driver "What is MY name?" Or "What is YOUR name?"

This is IMPORTANT. Do not ask "is your name ________?" Because the driver can say yes or no to anything. Always ask a question that doesn't require a yes or no. If the driver refuses to answer or wants to know why are you asking, don't get in the car. A simple question doesn't need to be complicated and that is a red flag.

4. If you are traveling by yourself, ALWAYS sit in the backseat. (If you are going with friends, you can sit in the front.)

Everyone naturally goes to the back seat but this is to avoid that person trying to get easy access to you. When you're getting in with your friends, it is totally fine to sit in the front. This is only important when you are alone. No matter what, stay safe.

5. If your driver has complimentary mints, water or snacks, DO NOT take any!

I mean, it's the same thing as if you were going to the bar, don't take drinks from strangers.

6. Map your own route during the ride (to make sure he is on course).

If the driver asks to go off course and take a "detour," don't let them. If traffic is really bad, you're just going to have to suck it up.

7. Text a friend where you are going and who you are with.

In case something bad happens, make sure people know where you are at all times. I have seen some cases where a passenger was in trouble and her friend tracked her while calling the police.

8. If you are ever in a dangerous situation, download the "Noonlight" app to save a life!

This app will allow you to press and hold down a button, which immediately notifies the police. It will warn you and make you aware that you are alerting authorities. In most situations, calling 911 and "talking on the phone," will make the drive panic and act quickly. If the driver knows you're calling the police on them, they will strike. The key is to do everything in secret.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

291
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15190
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3081
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments