Rideshare Safety for Women: Things to Know Before You Go
It was not that long ago that women travelling alone had to stand in a dark, lonely spot and hope to flag down a cab. We now have rideshare options like Uber and Lyft that have opened up a world of possibilities helping us get to and from airports, medical appointments, restaurants, and a myriad of other places. No more begging people to take us to the airport at 5:00 a.m. For many of us, that kind of independence is life changing.
But How Safe Is Ridesharing?
Of course, we need to consider safety. After all, you are getting into a car with a stranger. Something your mother told you never to do.
The honest answer is that while most rides are uneventful, the risks are real and worth knowing. Uber reported 2,717 individual reports of sexual assault in a recent two-year period. A New York Times investigation revealed that in 22 U.S. states, drivers with prior convictions for crimes such as stalking or assault can still drive for Uber as long as seven years have passed since their conviction. While rideshare companies do background checks, they can often be misleading.
Both Uber and Lyft now offer options to request a female driver – Uber calls it Women Rider Preference and Lyft calls it Women+ Connect. These are worth enabling in your settings, but a match is not guaranteed every time. It’s something to consider for those late-night rides.
Don’t forget that both apps have a 911 emergency button built right in. Find it before you ever need it. Open the app, look for the shield icon, and tap it. Thirty seconds of practice now could matter enormously later.
The truth is, a safe trip starts long before you reach for that car door handle.
Here Are Some Safety Tips:
1. Map the Route Before You Go
Pull up your destination in Google Maps so you have a rough sense of the route and how long the ride should take. If the driver starts heading in a noticeably different direction, you will know immediately rather than wondering.
2. Verify the Car and Driver Before You Get In
When the car approaches, check the license plate, the make and model, and the driver’s photo against what your app shows. If you feel comfortable doing so, take a quick photo of the plate and send it to someone.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Before you say a word about yourself, ask the driver: “Who are you here to pick up?” Do not say “Are you here for Jacquie?” A legitimate driver will have your name. An impersonator is counting on you to give it to them first.
4. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, just don’t get in. Pay the cancellation fee and request a new ride. No explanation needed. Your gut has decades of experience behind it. Listen to it.
5. Let Someone Know You’re on Your Way
As you get in, make a quick call, even a fake one. Say something like, “I’m in the car now, I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.” Both Uber and Lyft have a built-in Share My Trip feature that lets a trusted contact follow your ride in real time. Use it every time you travel alone.
6. Always Sit in the Back Seat Behind the Driver
The seat behind the driver is the hardest position for them to reach. It also puts you closest to the door if you ever need to exit quickly. Make it a habit.
7. Guard Your Personal Information
Friendly conversation is fine but be mindful of what you share. If you are out of town, don’t mention where you are staying or how long you will be away. Don’t volunteer that you live alone or that no one is expecting you. Less is more.
8. A Little Harmless Misdirection Goes a Long Way
Mentioning that you are on your way to meet your husband, boyfriend, or a group of friends sends a quiet but clear message: someone is expecting you. Just keep it casual.
9. You Don’t Owe Anyone Conversation
If you are tired, distracted or simply not in the mood to chat, that is perfectly fine. Pop in your headphones even if you are not listening to anything. It signals that you are done talking and that is entirely your right.
10. Stay Alert and Keep Watching the Route
Keep an eye on where you are going. If the neighborhood starts looking strange or the route seems wrong, trust that feeling. Your phone map doesn’t lie.
11. Have an Exit Excuse Ready
If the driver says or does something that raises a red flag, stay calm and use a practical excuse to get out. “I’m so sorry, I feel terribly carsick. Can you pull over right here?” works well. So does “I just realized I need to grab something quickly, can you stop at that corner?” It’s important to look and sound calm. No drama, no confrontation. Just get out.
12. An Unexpected Stop Is a Reason to Exit
If your driver announces he needs to make a stop that has nothing to do with your ride, you are completely within your rights to say calmly, “Actually, I’ll just hop out here and grab another car. Thank you.” As long as you are in a safe, visible location, trust your judgment.
Like I said, ridesharing makes life so much easier and with the above tips, safety will not be a problem!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What’s your experience with rideshares? Which companies do you use? What safety habits have you developed? Do you have any rideshare tips you can share?
