Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are usually cheaper than taxis and get to you faster, which is why thousands of people use them every day. But while they’re pretty safe overall, it’s still important to stay aware and take a few extra steps to make sure you’re protected. Even though these companies have safety guidelines, things like harassment or abuse can still happen.

The biggest thing to watch out for is people pretending to be drivers. There have been cases where someone who wasn’t actually a rideshare driver picked up a passenger and tried to hurt them or steal from them. That’s why it’s important to double-check things like the car details and the driver’s name before getting in.
It only takes a minute, but it can make all the difference. And, if you ever find yourself in an accident or uncomfortable situation, reaching out to rideshare accident attorneys can help you navigate through the complex legal process.
Here are some essential ways to stay safe when using rideshare services:
Verify Your Ride
After you request a ride, the app will show you details about the driver and their car. So, when the ride shows up, take a second to check that the car matches the info on the app, like the license plate and the car’s appearance.
Just to be extra safe, you can also ask the driver for their name or the name of the person they’re picking up before you get in.
Check the Driver’s Rating on the App
When you’re using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, one quick way to stay safe is by checking the driver’s rating before you get in. Every driver gets rated by passengers, and these ratings show you how good or bad a driver might be. If the rating is high, that usually means they’ve had a lot of positive experiences with passengers.
Before you hop in, just take a second to glance at the rating. If it’s low or there are a lot of bad reviews, you might want to think about canceling and trying for another ride.
Ride in the Back Seat
When you hop into an Uber or Lyft, it’s always a good idea to sit in the back seat. It puts some space between you and the driver, which can help you feel safer. Plus, it just gives you more room to move around if you need to.
Before getting in, take a quick moment to check if the child safety lock is on the back door. There’s usually a small lever inside that keeps the door from opening while you’re in the car.
Inform a Friend or Family Member About Your Trip
Before you hop into the car, text a friend or family member the details like who your driver is, what kind of car they’re driving, and where you’re headed. That way, someone else knows where you are and what’s going on.
Don’t Share Personal Information
When you’re in a rideshare, it’s totally fine to talk to your driver and be friendly, but it’s important not to share too much personal info. Don’t tell them things like your full name, where you live, or where you’re headed after the ride.
Even though they might seem nice, giving out these details could lead to problems later. They could use that information to find you or even stalk you, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid.
Uber and Lyft do a good job of hiding your phone number and your pickup/drop-off location, but a driver might still remember where you live if they see the address while you’re getting out.
A good tip to stay safe is to ask to be dropped off a little bit away from your actual destination, like a nearby street or intersection, and then walk to where you need to go.