Rideshare & Taxi Safety
Rideshare apps and taxis are convenient, especially after a late shift or when you can't drive. Most rides are uneventful, but a few simple habits protect you from fake drivers, unsafe vehicles, crashes and harassment. Drivers also face risks and can protect themselves with the same awareness.
- Passengers
- Rideshare Drivers
- Taxi Drivers
- Parents
Before the ride
- Wait in a safe, lit place such as a lobby, store or inside your home, and watch the app. Don't stand on a dark street or curb until the car is close.
- Match the details: check the license plate, car make and model, color and driver's name and photo in the app before you get in. Ask, “Who are you here to pick up?” and let the driver say your name, rather than telling them yours. Don't get into a car just because someone asks if you ordered a ride.
- Use in-app PIN or verification codes where offered, and don't share your ride details publicly.
- Book rides through the app or an official taxi company, not from unmarked cars that offer rides on the street. See Carjacking & Personal Security.
- Share your trip status with a friend or family member using the app's share feature, so they can see your route and arrival time.
- Keep your phone charged, and when going out, plan how you'll get home.
During the ride
- Buckle your seat belt in every seat, front or back. Seat belt use is as important in a taxi or rideshare as in your own car. See Seat Belts & Airbags.
- Sit in the back seat, especially if you're alone, so you can exit on either side and have space from the driver. Lone riders often choose the seat behind the passenger side.
- Follow the route on your own phone's map. If the driver takes a significantly different route, ask why.
- Keep personal information private: don't give your full address, phone number or social media to the driver. Don't say you're traveling alone.
- Stay aware and sober enough to protect yourself. Don't fall asleep if you're alone. If you've been drinking, a ride is a good choice, but go with friends if you can. See Impaired Driving.
- Don't use child car seats improperly: rideshares don't usually provide them. Bring your own and install it properly, or choose services that offer them. See Child Car Seats.
If you feel unsafe
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, you can ask the driver to stop in a safe, busy place and get out, or end the ride in the app.
- Use the app's emergency button to call 911 and share your location. If you can't speak, text 911 where available. Call 911 for any threat, assault or reckless driving.
- Report the driver to the company afterward, with the date, time, trip details and what happened. Keep screenshots. Rideshare companies can suspend drivers. Also report crimes to the police.
- If the ride is in a crash, call 911, get medical care and exchange information. Rideshare companies carry insurance, but coverage depends on the status of the trip. See After a Crash.
For drivers
- Check that the rider matches the name in the app before they get in, and confirm the destination.
- Keep the car in good repair: brakes, tires, lights and windshield. Fix recalls and inspect regularly. See Car Maintenance and Recalls.
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue, and don't drive more hours than you can safely. See Drowsy Driving.
- Consider a dashcam (check local recording laws and tell riders), and keep doors locked while waiting.
- Trust your instincts to cancel a ride if you feel unsafe, and use the app safety tools. Don't pick up passengers who are visibly aggressive.
- Know your local laws, insurance requirements, taxes and worker classification issues. See Misclassification.
- Don't use your phone while driving beyond a mounted navigation view. See Distracted Driving.
Rideshare checklist
- I match the plate, car and driver, and ask the driver to say my name
- I wait in a lit, safe place and share my trip with someone
- I wear my seat belt and sit in the back seat
- I know how to use the app's emergency button and report problems
- As a driver, I verify riders, keep my car maintained and avoid fatigue
Standards & references
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