What to do if You Feel Unsafe in a Rideshare Vehicle?
Rideshare services are usually seen as a safe alternative to driving yourself, especially after a night out drinking or when visiting a new place. However, getting into a rideshare vehicle poses a certain level of danger as you are ultimately getting into a car with a stranger. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation while riding in a rideshare vehicle, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
How to Identify and Take Action in an Unsafe Rideshare Situation
When getting into a rideshare vehicle it is important to not let your guard down. Here are some things to pay close attention to when assessing the safety of your situation.
Be Preventative
Before you step foot into a rideshare, be sure to verify your driver’s identity and make sure that the make and model of the car and license plate match the description given to you on the app. If anything does not match or feels off, do not get into the car.
Observe Driver’s Behavior
Once you have gotten in the vehicle, if you feel threatened or unsafe in any way, trust your instincts and take action to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. If you feel that the driver is behaving aggressively or erratically, ask them to pull over and exit the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Additionally, you should pay close attention to the route you are taking to your destination. If you are not familiar with the area, you can use the map on your phone to see if you are on the correct route. It is better to be safe than sorry, and your safety should always be your top priority.
Call for Help
If you are unable to safely exit the vehicle, call for help and communicate your situation to a trusted friend or family member. Many rideshare services have added in-app safety features that give you the ability to share your location and trip details with trusted contacts. You can now also call or text emergency services directly from the app and text messages with automatically populate your trip details for emergency responders. If you are unable to use your phone or the rideshare app for any reason, you can signal for help or attract the attention of other drivers or passersby by knocking on or rolling down windows and waving your hands, yelling, or honking the horn if it is safe to access.
Identify and Report Impaired Drivers
If your rideshare driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is especially important to take action to protect yourself. Drunk or impaired driving is extremely dangerous and is not acceptable for a rideshare driver to operate a vehicle while under the influence. If you suspect that the driver is drunk or impaired, do not get in the vehicle, or exit the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not hesitate to report the incident to the rideshare company and local authorities, as this can help prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of other passengers.
When riding in a rideshare, be on the lookout for signs of danger, trust your instinct, and don’t hesitate to call for help if you feel something is off.