Before You Get in the Car
With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, getting around without driving yourself is easier than ever. That said, getting into a stranger's vehicle comes with certain risks. After all, you never know if they're really who they say they are, and if they might have not-so-innocent intentions. Whether you're heading home after a night out or catching a ride to the airport, here are 20 things you should always do before getting in the car.
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1. Double-Check the License Plate
Before approaching any vehicle, you should always, always check to confirm that the license plate number matches the one in your app. Even if the car pulls up at exactly the right time, that doesn't necessarily mean it's your driver, so don't jump to conclusions!
2. Does the Driver Match Their Profile Picture?
Every rideshare booking should provide you with identifying details about your driver, so use that to your advantage. Take a moment to compare the driver's appearance with the image shown in your app first, then ask for their name.
3. Check the Car's Make, Model, and Color
Another detail to confirm? Beyond matching their license plate, it's worth checking that the car fits the one your rideshare app displays, too, including its make, model, and color. Expecting a white Toyota Corolla but a black Honda Civic arrives? That's not your driver.
4. Ask the Driver Who They're Picking Up
You might be used to saying your name first to confirm with the driver, but instead of doing this, you should ask them who they're picking up. This way, you'll be able to know for sure if you're actually their client, as a legitimate driver should have access to your name through the rideshare app.
5. Check the Driver's Rating
Sure, ratings don't guarantee safety, but they'll still give you some insight into what you can expect. So, take a look at your assigned driver's rating and available trip history—you never know if you might be met with some not-so-great news.
6. Share Your Trip Details with a Trusted Person
Whether you're in for a long or short trip, it's best to share your trip details with someone you trust. You're getting into a stranger's vehicle, after all! By letting others know where you're headed, they can follow your progress and make sure you arrive at your intended destination.
7. Make Sure Your Phone Has Enough Battery
You'll first of all want enough juice on your device given that your transportation depends on an app, but a full battery is also helpful for monitoring your route and communicating with a trusted person. Plus, it guarantees a safe way out should you ever need to contact emergency services.
8. Enable Your App's Safety Features
Most major rideshare platforms have built-in safety tools, so go and activate them! Uber, for example, has a Verify Your Ride feature that uses a four-digit PIN to help ensure you're getting in the right car. You always want to err on the side of caution, just in case.
9. Wait Somewhere Well-Lit
Requesting a ride after dark? Pay attention to where you're waiting for your driver. Whenever possible, choose a well-lit, reasonably busy pickup location—the more people, the better. That way, if your gut ever tells you something might be off, you can easily call out for help.
10. Check Where the Driver Is Actually Waiting
Just because you're waiting at a busy, well-lit place doesn't mean your driver will be. If they call or message asking you to walk several blocks to a completely different location, be wary. You should never feel pressured to meet in an unfamiliar or isolated area!
11. Look for Signs of Driver Impairment
Rideshare apps have strict policies, sure, but that doesn't mean every driver will follow them. As your ride approaches, if you notice any obvious warning signs—think erratic driving, slurred speech, or a strong smell of alcohol—report it on the platform and book another car.
12. Examine the Vehicle's General Condition
A car doesn't need to look brand-new to be safe, of course, though you should probably still keep your guard up if there are visible maintenance problems. Severe scratches, broken windows, or an extremely cluttered interior could all be red flags! Always, always listen to your gut.
13. Confirm You're at the Correct Pickup Point
More than just ensuring you're waiting in a public place, you should also make sure you're at the correct pickup point. Different areas, such as airports, may have designated spots for rideshares, so check that you've selected the correct location in the app first. You don't want to accidentally approach an unrelated vehicle!
14. Know Your Route Beforehand
It's a good idea, too, to have at least a vague idea of your route. This way, you'll immediately recognize any unexpected detours and fishy behaviors from your driver. Though construction and traffic sometimes require some leeway, you should still stay alert!
15. Tell Someone When You Expect to Arrive
Sharing your live location is helpful, but it only does so much. If you're meeting a friend, it'll also be smart to send them a rough estimate of when you should reach your destination. If you don't arrive or respond within a reasonable period, they'll know to check in!
16. Check That the Seat Belts Are Accessible
Even after you've double-checked to make sure it's your ride, you should continue your checks inside the car, too. Are the seats properly upright? Are the seatbelts working? Anything that looks or feels off should never be brushed off! Never allow a driver to convince you that it's fine to forgo safety because it's only a short distance.
17. Make Sure You're Using the Official Rideshare App
At busy airports and transportation hubs, you might encounter some shady people. They might strike up good deals or even claim to work for a rideshare, but either way, you shouldn't accept an unsolicited trip that hasn't been arranged through an official platform.
18. Be Careful About Traveling While Intoxicated
Not only should you be wary of rideshare drivers who operate under the influence, you should also consider your own state of mind. After a night of partying, you might not be alert enough to do all the verification steps to ensure your safety! So, avoid traveling alone, and call a trusted friend or family member instead.
19. Make Sure the Driver Isn't Asking for Unusual Arrangements
Your driver asks you to cancel the ride and pay them directly? Switch to a "faster" route? Even if these requests sound harmless at first, you might later be left between a rock and a hard place. Don't make the trip harder to document if an arrangement already makes you uncomfortable!
20. Trust Your Instincts
As we said, always, always trust your gut. If, even after checking every detail, you still feel off about the ride, listen to that instinct and cancel it. There are more safer drivers out there! And if all else fails, you're better off catching a taxi or asking a friend to pick you up.
