Recognizing Unsafe Situations
Certain behaviors or circumstances can confirm that you might be in an unsafe rideshare situation. Stay alert to the following warning signs and take immediate action if you begin to feel unsafe:
- Erratic driving: The driver may be speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or appear impaired.
- Inappropriate behavior: The driver makes sexual comments toward you, asks where you live, touches you without consent, or refuses to respect your boundaries.
- Unexpected route changes: The driver takes a route that doesn’t match the app’s directions or refuses to explain why they’re going a different way.
- Unauthorized passengers: Someone else is in the vehicle who wasn’t listed in the app.
- Driver mismatch: The person behind the wheel doesn’t match the driver photo or name in the app.
- Vehicle issues: The car shows signs of poor maintenance, such as malfunctioning lights, strange noises, or broken locks.
- Gut feelings: You feel uneasy, afraid, or sense that something is off, even if you can’t immediately explain why.
Immediate Actions To Take
Here’s how to protect yourself if you feel unsafe during an Uber or Lyft ride:
- End the ride safely: Use the app’s “End Ride” feature to formally stop the trip, or ask the driver to end the trip in the app; if you need to stop early, you can also update the destination or cancel in the app. Exit in a well-lit, public place.
- Call for help: If you believe you’re in danger, call 911 or use the emergency button in Uber or Lyft to connect with dispatchers. In many areas, you can also text 911 if speaking out loud isn’t safe.
- Alert trusted contacts: Share your trip through the app with a friend or family member so they know where you are. Follow up by manually texting or calling them to explain what’s happening and ask them to stay in touch until you reach a safe location.
Partner at KJSR
“If you ever feel unsafe during an Uber or Lyft ride, your safety is the most important priority. Immediately contact the driver to express your concern or use the in-app emergency button to alert authorities. If the situation escalates or you’re unable to de-escalate it, leaving the vehicle in a safe location and contacting law enforcement is essential. We know how unsettling it can be to feel vulnerable, but it’s important to document everything including details like the ride’s time, route, and any communication with the driver. If you’re unsure of the next steps or need legal advice, we’re here to listen and help guide you through your options.”
Using In-App Safety Features
Both Uber and Lyft offer built-in safety tools to protect riders during trips. They’re there to keep you safe if something feels wrong, so don’t be afraid to use them.
Common Rideshare App Safety Features
Most safety tools in rideshare apps are easily accessible directly from the trip screen. Key features among both major apps include:
- Location sharing: The apps allow you to share your trip in real time with trusted contacts. This lets your loved ones follow your route and know when you’ve arrived safely.
- Audio recording: This tool allows you to automatically or manually record audio during your ride and share the recording with the company.
- PIN verification: Before your ride begins, the app gives you a unique four-digit PIN to confirm you’re entering the correct vehicle. You’ll give the code to your driver, and the trip won’t start until they enter it correctly in their app.
- Emergency help button: Both Uber and Lyft offer an emergency button that connects you directly to 911 or local emergency services. Uber’s emergency button displays your trip details—such as GPS location, vehicle information, and license plate number—so you can share them with dispatchers. Lyft’s Emergency Help feature connects you with an ADT security professional who can contact 911 on your behalf and share your location and ride details directly with emergency responders.
Uber Safety Features
Uber’s additional safety features include RideCheck, which uses GPS and motion sensors from the driver’s smartphone to detect possible crashes or unusual route changes. If RideCheck is triggered, both you and the driver will receive a notification asking if everything is okay. It will also offer options to contact emergency services or Uber’s Safety Line.
Real-Time ID Check is another feature that helps to confirm whether the right driver is behind the wheel. The app periodically asks drivers to take a selfie before they can accept further rides and instantly compares it to the verified photo linked to their account. If the photos don’t match, Uber temporarily blocks the account and investigates the issue.
Lyft Safety Features
Lyft continuously monitors rides to detect potential safety issues. Through its Smart Trip Check-In, the app tracks your route for unusual activity, such as long stops or unexpected detours. If something seems off, Lyft will contact you to confirm that you’re safe and offer help if you need it.
The app also allows you to favorite drivers after a safe and positive experience, so the app can prioritize pairing you with them again for scheduled trips. If you ever feel uncomfortable with a driver, you can directly block them to prevent being matched with that person in the future.
Reporting Unsafe Incidents
If you ever experience an unsafe situation during or after a rideshare trip, both Uber and Lyft make it easy to report what happened and get help.
Uber Reporting
To contact Uber support, open the app and go to “Your Trips” in the menu bar. Select the ride in question to view the “Help” section, then choose the category that best matches your concern. From there, you can provide detailed information about the incident and submit your feedback to Uber’s 24/7 customer support team.
Lyft Reporting
You can report a concern on Lyft by opening “Ride History” in the app and selecting the trip. Tap “Report an Issue,” and describe the situation clearly. Lyft’s safety team is available 24/7 via phone or chat.
Legal Rights and Support After an Unsafe Ride
You have rights if you experience an unsafe rideshare situation, including:
- The right to refuse or end a ride at any time if you feel unsafe
- The right to report any inappropriate or illegal behavior to Uber, Lyft, or law enforcement
- The right to pursue legal action if you were harmed physically or emotionally in a rideshare vehicle
A personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, which may include filing a lawsuit. This type of action may help you seek compensation for any damages you suffered as a result of the situation, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Be sure to keep detailed records of your trip, communications with the company, and any police reports or medical records related to the incident. Once you decide to take action, your attorney can gather additional supporting evidence and guide you through the legal process.
Preventative Measures for Future Rides
Here are some rideshare safety tips you can take to feel more secure when using Uber or Lyft.
Before the Ride
Enable PIN verification in the app ahead of time. Before getting in the car, compare the driver’s name, face, and license plate number with what’s listed in the app for an additional layer of security. Share your trip details with a trusted loved one so someone knows your location and estimated arrival time.
During the Ride
Sit in the back seat on the passenger side so you have a clear view of the driver and can easily exit onto the sidewalk if needed. Keep conversations polite, but avoid sharing personal details. Stay alert to your surroundings, and follow the route in the app to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.
After the Ride
Take a moment to rate your driver and provide feedback about your experience. Report any safety concerns promptly to protect other riders. If the ride was through Lyft and the driver made you feel uncomfortable, block them to avoid being paired again in the future.
Getting Legal Help After an Unsafe Uber or Lyft Ride
You are never obligated to stay in an unsafe rideshare situation. If you have felt unsafe during an Uber or Lyft ride, it’s important to trust your instincts. Use the app’s built-in safety features when necessary, and report the incident to the company and law enforcement.
Legal help is available if you suffered harm in a rideshare vehicle. Kennedy Johnson can explain your options and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us online or call 203-865-8430 to seek the help you deserve, starting with a free consultation.