Ridesharing services have taken over our commutes and nightlife, transforming how people get from point A to point B. However, with this newfound convenience comes a subtle risk—a whisper that something could go wrong.
If you’ve ever ridden in a stranger’s car, you’ve likely thought about what could go wrong. It’s not paranoia; it’s awareness. And you can never be too careful.
So, here are five ways to enhance your rideshare safety awareness. When it comes to your safety, a little caution never kills anyone.
1. Verify Your Ride Before You Glide
Before stepping into a stranger’s car, take a moment to review the basics. You’d never attempt to cook a soufflé without checking the recipe, would you? Well, the same logic applies here. Review your rideshare app’s safety guidelines.
So, before you leap into the back seat, it’s best to prepare, think things through, and refresh yourself on safety essentials for rideshare journeys. Verify the driver’s name, the car’s make and model, and the license plate number. It sounds mundane, but you’re not preparing for a cab ride; you’re stepping into a potential stranger’s mobile living room.
Don’t hesitate to walk away if the driver’s information doesn’t match up. There’s no shame in canceling and waiting for another ride. We’ve all been there, staring at the wrong car, wondering if that person holding the steering is a driver waiting to take you home or a potential kidnapper. Don’t trust your gut when it’s full of doubt.
This simple precaution could turn a questionable ride into a safety net of accountability.
2. Trust Your Instincts
The sixth sense exists for a reason, especially when you’re placing your fate in the hands of a stranger. If you slide into the back seat, and something about the driver feels off, trust your gut—or as mothers everywhere like to put it, “better safe than sorry.”
Instinct, while not always logical, is an unfiltered warning system honed by millennia of survival. If something smells fishy, it probably isn’t safe.
Trust in your gut also means paying attention to body language and behavior. If your driver seems distracted, erratic, or perhaps too insistent on giving you a five-star experience, don’t let politeness override your instincts.
If you’re in doubt, exit the ride. There are plenty of other options, and while the ride might take a few extra minutes to arrive, your peace of mind will.
3. Keep Your Phone Charged and Ready to Report
This one’s almost too obvious, yet people continue to ignore it. Your phone is your lifeline, your modern-day compass. Without it, you’re as good as a mime at a rock concert. Keep it charged, fully functional, and prepped for emergencies.
Not every ride goes smoothly. That charming driver could turn into a misbehaving tour guide at any moment. And if that happens, your phone is the only thing between you and a future of unsettling “what ifs.”
Take a minute before the ride to ensure your phone’s fully charged. Pack a charger. Have a backup charger, too. If the ride takes a turn for the worse, you need that phone to contact authorities, alert loved ones, or redirect your route. Consider it your emergency button disguised as an entertainment device.
If something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to report it. Every rideshare app can contact customer service, file complaints, or alert local authorities. A delayed action might make you feel like you’re overreacting, but the moment you wait too long could be the moment you regret.
4. Avoid Sharing Too Much Personal Information
In the cozy confines of rideshare, where strangers must exchange niceties, not every question deserves an answer. Imagine the driver asking, “What do you do for a living?” Your response, “I’m a freelance bear trainer,” might suffice if you don’t wish to share more. Oversharing with a stranger who knows where you live or work can make you vulnerable, as innocuous as it might seem at the time.
A chatty driver can be fantastic—sometimes you want to talk about the weather, the latest movie, or the existential dread of rush-hour traffic. Just be mindful that details like where you live, work, or when you’ll be home are yours to keep private.
If your driver seems overly inquisitive, steer the conversation elsewhere or, better yet, adopt the art of polite deflection. You can always “take a call” or reply to that crucial email you forgot.
After all, your destination’s address is already on the app, and you don’t need to confirm any further details. Politely disengage from personal disclosures with a smile and a nod. It’s not rudeness; it’s self-preservation. There’s a strange comfort in a nameless, placeless bubble—hold onto it.
5. Track Your Route
A rideshare should follow the most direct route or as close to it as possible. So, keep an eye on the map and make sure your driver doesn’t take a “scenic detour.” Your app typically suggests the optimal route, and while a minor adjustment here and there is understandable, feel free to speak up if you notice a significant deviation.
At the risk of sounding overzealous, tracking your journey isn’t an overreaction. It’s a safety measure that ensures your driver’s navigation doesn’t lead you astray. If the driver seems headed for an exit ramp in the middle of nowhere, politely ask, “Just checking, is this the usual way?” That gentle nudge reminds you that you’re engaged and observant, not passive cargo destined for unknown parts.
Plus, it may help curb your driver’s temptation to follow a dubious “shortcut,” which translates to more car time and money for them. Everyone wins.
Conclusion
Ridesharing can feel like an exercise in trust —but it doesn’t have to be a blind leap. Like any adventure, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into before jumping in. This means taking a few steps to enhance your safety awareness.
Stay alert, keep your wits about you, and never forget: your safety is in your hands. That’s the one thing you can always count on.
