Rideshare Safety Tips

Practical steps for booking and riding safely using rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Rideshare Safety Tips

Quick Rideshare Safety Checklist

• Confirm the car, driver, and license plate before getting in.
• Choose well-lit, visible pickup and drop-off locations.
• Share your trip details with someone you trust.
• Keep seatbelts on and luggage or bags within reach.
• Use in-app safety tools if anything feels concerning.

Identity Verification Before You Get In

Options to confirm you are getting into the correct vehicle with the correct driver:

• Check the license plate
  • Compare the full plate number in the app to the vehicle in front of you.
  • Check make, model, and color against what the app shows.
• Verify the driver
  • Compare the driver’s photo and name to what is in the app.
  • Ask: “Who are you picking up?” and make sure they say your name, not the other way around.
• Match the destination
  • Ask the driver to confirm the destination shown in their app.
  • Check that their route screen matches your ride details.
• Do not share extra personal information
  • Consider limiting what you share about where you live, work, or your daily routine.

Choosing Safer Pickup Locations

Options when selecting or waiting for a pickup:

• Pick visible locations
  • Choose well-lit areas with foot traffic where others can see you.
  • Avoid isolated alleys, back entrances, or poorly lit parking areas when possible.
• Wait indoors when possible
  • Track the car in the app and go outside only when it is arriving.
  • Stand near building entrances or areas with cameras if available.
• Adjust pickup pin
  • You can set the pin slightly away from your exact home or workplace entrance.
  • Consider using a nearby landmark (store, intersection) if you prefer not to show your exact address.
• Confirm the car before approaching
  • Check the plate and model from a distance before walking up.
  • If the driver calls to find you, use first name only and keep details brief.

Safer Drop-Off Choices

• Choose a drop-off point that is:
  • Well-lit
  • Close to your actual destination entrance
  • In view of other people or security if available
• If you do not want the driver to know your exact address, consider:
  • Getting dropped off a short distance away.
  • Using nearby public locations instead of your exact home address.
• Gather your belongings before the car comes to a full stop so you can exit promptly and calmly.

Route Monitoring and During-the-Ride Options

Ways to keep track of your ride while you are in the car:

• Use the map in the app
  • Check that the driver is following the route shown in your app.
  • If the route changes, you can ask: “Is this a faster route?” or “Can we follow the route in the app?”
• Share your route with someone
  • Use the app’s “Share trip” or “Share status” feature to send your live route to a trusted contact.
  • You can also send screenshots of the driver details and route.
• Choose where to sit
  • Some people prefer the back seat on the passenger side to keep space and an accessible door.
  • Keep your phone and essentials within reach.
• Adjust what you share in conversation
  • You can keep details about your home, routine, or personal life limited.
  • Short, neutral conversation is an option if you do not want to engage.

Using In-App Safety Tools

Most major rideshare apps include built-in safety features. Options typically include:

• Emergency or safety button
  • Often opens a screen with local emergency numbers and your live location.
  • Some apps allow you to silently share details with designated contacts.
• Trip sharing
  • Send a link with driver details, vehicle info, and your route to one or more trusted contacts.
  • They can monitor your ride in real time and see when you arrive.
• In-app messaging
  • Use in-app chat instead of personal calling or texting to keep your phone number private.
  • Keep messages brief and focused on pickup, drop-off, or route details.
• Trip and driver reporting
  • After a ride, you can use feedback or report options to describe safety concerns.
  • Some apps allow mid-trip reporting and follow-up from their safety team.

Planning Ahead When Rideshare is Part of Safety Planning

Rideshare can be one of several transportation options in a broader personal safety plan:

• Save rideshare apps and payment methods in advance if you plan to use them as a backup option.
• Decide which contacts you will share your trip with if you need someone to monitor travel.
• Consider alternative routes and drop-off points that feel more comfortable for you.
• Combine rideshare planning with other tools, such as personal safety checklists or evidence-gathering options, if you are tracking concerning behavior.

Some people also review transportation and support options listed on sites such as DV.Support when building or updating their safety plans.

If Something Feels Concerning During a Ride

Possible steps if you are uncomfortable during a trip:

• Use neutral, practical language, such as:
  • “Please follow the GPS route in the app.”
  • “I would like to end the trip here.”
• Ask to stop in a visible, public place (storefront, gas station, open lobby) if you want to exit.
• Use in-app safety buttons to:
  • Share your live location with a trusted contact.
  • Access local emergency numbers if you decide you want them.
• After the ride, consider:
  • Taking screenshots of trip details if you may want a record.
  • Using the app’s report or feedback tools to document what happened in neutral terms.

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Gathering Evidence of Abuse
• Digital Safety Basics
• Using Location Sharing Safely
• Leaving Quickly: Transportation Options