*The information provided on this website and in this guide do not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

Uber & Lyft Safety Guide

Uber, Lyft, and other ride share apps have become an integral part of modern daily life offering users convenience, comfort, and safety.

Uber and Lyft became unicorn household brands due to solving a bunch of problems surrounding traditional taxis and car services. They turned getting a ride into something that is fast, easy, and comfortable for anyone to do.

A big component of these apps is their safety. Are these ride share apps safe to use, and do they provide safety features for riders? Yes.

Are there still inherent dangers and risks using them? Yes.

Background checks and quality standards for drivers aren't very strict. And at the end of the day, they are still humans that are unpredictable.

Every week we see news stories about Uber and Lyft drivers perpetrating crimes against their passengers such as:

While these headlines may be a small percentage of Uber and Lyft's total rides, it highlights that crime can happen anywhere and we need to be prepared.

This guide will take you through some of the most effective ways to ensure you reach your destination safely while riding in an Uber or Lyft.

Body Language

Paying attention to an Uber or Lyft driver's body language and overall behavior will give you clues if something is suspicious or off.

Repeated eye contact or constantly glancing at you in the mirror can be a sign that he has bad intentions, and is assessing you or is fixating on you.

Rigid or stiff body language can indicate nervousness and unpredictability, and that the driver may be planning or thinking something bad.

In these cases, you could call a parent, family member, or friend to start a conversation and possibly deter any bad intentions he has.

Confirm Driver Details

Always confirm the driver details like name, driver photo, license plate, car make, and car model. Uber and Lyft provide these details so you can ensure you're connected to the right driver that's been assigned to your ride.

If any of these details is different, don't be afraid to ask the driver questions or even cancel the ride.

One time, the car that arrived to pick me up was a different color than the color listed on the app. I questioned the driver about it, and he told me he had to get a loner car because his car was in the shop, and I could cancel the ride if I wanted to. I decided to cancel the ride to err on the side of caution since it's always better to be safe than sorry, and I wasn't charged a cancellation fee.

Follow Your Route On Your App

Know the route to your destination before you call for an Uber or Lyft, ensure the app has the right destination, and then follow your car as it travels along the route. This will ensure that the driver doesn't veer from the GPS directions, and take you somewhere else.

In the news stories above, we see incidents where the Uber driver will turn down a street going in the wrong direction in order to bring the passenger to an isolated area. If you notice your Uber driver make a wrong turn, don't be afraid to speak up and ask why they turned off course, and to request them to get back on the correct path.

Familiarize Yourself with the Locks and Doors

While unlocking and opening doors is pretty intuitive, there are some cars, trucks, and vehicles that have abnormal mechanisms.

Many Tesla cars for example have unique door opening mechanisms that aren't the standard handle. There are also cars that have child-safety locks which make it impossible to open doors from the inside, and you can only open them from the outside. Make sure you understand how to unlock and open the door in case you need to escape a dangerous situation.

Safety Tools

Always have your phone in hand as this can be your most important safety device in a dangerous situation. You can track your route on the phone app, call the police, phone a friend to give you an outlet, take photos or videos, and track your location.

Additionally, you should always have some sort of safety tool on your person whenever you leave the house. Pepper spray is always a top option since it is both highly effective and doesn't require any special training to use. Other options include kubatons, and even personal alarms can be very effective at deterring a predator.

Always Sit Back Seat Passenger Side

The back seat passenger side is the spot that is furthest away from the driver, and it's the seat that gives you the best angle at observing them. This seat will give you the best visibility to evaluate their body language and behavior, and it will also give you the longest reaction time in case you need to call the police or arm yourself.