Essential Safety Tips for Ride-share Users  

Ridesharing, such as Lyft and Uber, has become a convenient and popular way to get around quickly.  Most Uber and Lyft rides happen without incident. In 2021, Uber provided 6.3 billion rides. However, in a two-year period, Uber reported 6,000 cases of sexual assault. There is no foolproof prevention to keep riders safe, but there are precautions riders can take to stay safer. While ride-sharing may generally be a safe choice, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure your safety prior to getting into the car.  

Below are some essential safety tips and steps that all rideshare users should be aware of prior to getting into their ride: 

1. Request your ride inside.  

This way you are not waiting outside alone. You will be notified when the driver has arrived at the designated meeting point. You can customize the pick-up location, so you’ll know if your driver has the correct information. 

2. Preparation  

Carry a charged cell phone, a credit card, and cash. Carry pepper spray like our VEXOR Key Guard  and 

VEXOR® Pocket Guard. 

3. Be sure to confirm the details of you rideshare ahead of time 

Before you get into the car, confirm that the license plate number matches what’s listed in the app. Even though all drivers should ask your name to confirm they are picking up the correct rider, you should also check the driver’s name and photo as a precaution.  This helps ensure that you have the right person picking you up. Also, if you have any questions about where your driver is coming from or when they will arrive, don’t hesitate to ask them through the app before they arrive so you know exactly when they will be there.  

Prior to getting into the car, the driver usually will say your name to ensure you are the person they are supposed to be picking up. You should ALWAYS confirm they are your driver by asking for their name as well. 

4. Share Info with Friends and Family Beforehand  

It is always smart to share information with someone else before you take a rideshare trip.  

Uber and Lyft both allow you to share your trip details with others. Be sure to share your trip details with your friend, roommate, parent, or anyone you would like to. This allows them to follow your ride from start to finish as well as giving them details about the driver and car you are riding in.  

5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

When taking a rideshare trip, it's important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings - even after getting into the car. Pay attention to landmarks or street names as you pass by so that if anything suspicious occurs during your trip, you can report it accurately later. Additionally, never give out personal information while in an Uber or Lyft vehicle – this includes engaging in conversations with drivers about things like religion or politics which could put you at risk for heightened emotions. 

6. Follow Your Instincts 

It may sound like a cliché but trust your gut. Whether it’s because of the driver or another passenger during a shared ride, if something doesn’t feel right, you can end your ride at any time. If you’re afraid that asking to be let out will escalate the situation, you can add a stop near your current location and get out there. Always sit in the backseat. And if something seems off, don’t hesitate to end the rideshare early.  

Be aware that sexual assaults are more likely to happen on weekend nights when more rideshare users are intoxicated. 

Conclusion:  

Rideshare rides can be convenient ways to get around town quickly without having to worry about parking or traffic issues – but it’s important to remember that safety is key when using these services. By following these simple steps before hopping into a Lyft or Uber, they will help make sure that everyone involved has a safe and enjoyable experience on their journey!