Uber and Lyft are two incredibly popular ride sharing apps/services. At the push of a button through an app, you can get a lift anywhere in various cities. These apps are convenient and used by millions of people. While the vast majority of time customers have zero issues with these apps, on rare occasion security issues arise. Here are some Uber and Lyft rideshare safety tips.
When using Uber or Lyft, make sure you are aware of your surroundings. You should treat an Uber or Lyft ride just like how a bus ride. On a bus ride would you fall asleep or completely zone out? You wouldn't, which is why you should be aware in an Uber or Lyft. You don't know who your Uber or Lyft driver is, so treat them similar to how you would treat any stranger. Trust is good, but blind trust is foolish.
When you are going into an Uber or Lyft car, make sure that the car you try to enter is the actual car you ordered. When you order and Uber or Lyft, through the app you'll see the drive that is coming along with the type of car they have. If it says the driver has a black Honda Civic, make sure you look for an actual black Honda Civic. Too often Uber or Lyft users see a similar car (but one that is different than the actual driver's car) and try to enter.
Here's a Toronto Police press release about someone entering a car that she thought was an Uber, but was a sexual predators car instead. Once inside she was driven to a secluded area and sexually assaulted. This shows the importance of getting into the right rideshare car.
There is estimated to be over 900,000 Uber drivers globally. It's important to note that the vast majority do an outstanding job and are safe and law abiding. But sadly like anything, a few bad apples spoil the bunch. Here's a CNN article that highlights sexual assault investigations against 103 Uber drivers from 2018.
To safeguard yourself, try to ride alone as little as possible. A second person in the car drastically improves your level of safety. Have your cellphone out if you are riding alone and be on a call during the ride. Also try to be as sober as possible. High levels of intoxication leads to an impaired state, which can make you a target for a predator. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
These are just a few Uber and Lyft rideshare safety tips. The odds of something negative happening during an Uber and Lyft ride are fairly rare. However if something does happen that makes you uneasy, report the incident to Uber and Lyft immediately. Beyond that you can should contact your local police department who can then investigate the situation.
