• In their most recent report, Uber revealed that they’ve seen over 3,900 cases of sexual and physical violence perpetrated by their drivers in one year. • Taking an Uber alone can pose multiple safety risks — especially for women. • Double-checking the license plate, sitting in the back seat, and keeping your phone charged are all effective ways to stay safe while you Uber alone. • The best tool to keep you safe as you Uber solo is the Aster app, which allows you to contact 911 while inside the vehicle, without having to make a call.
You open the Uber app, choose your ride, go from point A to point B, and — just like that — you’re home safe and sound.
But have you ever thought about how that ride from point A to point B could turn into a dangerous situation?
In 2018, CNN investigated sexual crimes perpetuated by Uber drivers and found that the company had received over 5,900 sexual violence or assault allegations.
Uber has since revealed that this rate has decreased to less than 3,900 cases yearly. However, this is 3,900 too many.
Even with Uber’s stringent security measures and careful driver screening processes, these statistics suggest that there are still safety risks for women traveling alone in an Uber.
In this article, we provide essential safety tips for women using Uber alone, offering potentially life-saving guidance for handling emergencies during your ride.
12 Safety Tips When Using Uber
Here’s how you can stay safe while using a rideshare service like Uber:
Order your ride inside
Instead of standing outside alone with your phone in your hand — which leaves you vulnerable to potential attacks and theft of your device — order your ride while you’re still indoors.
Wait inside until the app shows you that your driver has arrived.
If possible, you should also have your Uber collect you in a well-lit area which will help you handle the next step.
Double-check the license plate number
Taking an Uber can turn into a dangerous situation if you get into the wrong car. A potential criminal could pose as an Uber driver to lure you into their vehicle and attack you.
The Uber app will show you the license plate of the car, its make, and the driver’s name.
To confirm you’re getting into the correct Uber, be sure to check the license plate of the arriving car against the one listed in your app.
It’s also a good idea to have the driver confirm your name and trip details before you get in the car. Don’t reveal your name. Instead, ask the driver who they’re there to pick up.
Use Uber’s safety features
Uber has several built-in safety features. For example, you can share your trip status with your contacts. They’ll receive up-to-date information with your GPS location via a push notification.
This means that if something goes wrong, like if the driver were to try to take you to a different location, your contacts would know where you are.
The app also includes an emergency button that allows you to call 911. If you make this call, the app will show you real-time information that you can share with the emergency operator.
Ride in the backseat
Sitting in the back seat of an Uber — especially if you’re alone — allows you to safely exit using either of the doors if you’re being attacked or you are in danger.
Doing this also gives you more personal space and ensures that the driver can’t see your phone screen.
Keep your cell phone charged
If you know you will be taking a rideshare service somewhere, ensure that your phone is fully charged before you leave.
This enables you to not only to use the app effectively but also to have enough power to call for help in an emergency or if you face any threat from the driver.
You might want to consider carrying a backup power bank in your handbag to charge your phone in case your battery gets too low or you forget to charge it.
Use a personal safety app like Aster
Aster is a smartphone app designed for personal safety. It includes an emergency widget on your home screen that you can swipe.
Doing so will connect you to 911 without you having to make a phone call. This is especially useful if you’re in danger and don’t want a driver to know that you’ve called for help.
The app also lets you preprogram your emergency contacts — which we call followers— who will also be notified when you trigger the app.
Aster isn’t only meant for emergencies; it’s also there to provide comfort when you feel vulnerable. With the “hold until safe” feature, you can press this button and keep it activated until you safely reach your destination. If you release the button at any point, emergency services will be notified. Once you’ve safely reached your destination, you can cancel the button.
The app is also designed to share your real-time location, meaning you can get help exactly where you need it.
Cancel the ride if something feels wrong
If you feel unsafe for any reason, even if your driver is acting a bit strangely, you can cancel your Uber ride using the app. This instructs the driver to stop and let you out of the vehicle.
While being stranded without a ride home isn’t ideal, it may be a safer choice if you feel there’s a safety concern within the vehicle.
Make an audible phone call
Making a phone call, whether fake or real, can let your Uber driver know that someone is aware of where you are and who you’re with. If a family member or friend is available, talk with them on loudspeaker and discuss where you are on your route and what time you should reach your destination. This sends a strong message to the driver.
On the other hand, if no one is available, you could fake a phone call where you are also clear about your location and where you’re heading.
Check the door handles
Upon entering the car, quickly check if the door handles function properly from the inside and are not set to child-lock, ensuring you can exit the vehicle if needed.
You need to be able to get out of the car by unlocking the door if you are threatened or attacked by the driver.
If the door handle isn’t working, ask the driver for an explanation. If their response doesn’t reassure you, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride for your safety.
Only use the Uber app to communicate with your driver
Never communicate with your Uber driver via any other platform other than the app itself.
This keeps your personal information private and prevents drivers from ever being able to contact you after your ride. This can prevent stalking.
Use your own GPS
Have your own GPS app, such as Google Maps, open as you ride in the Uber.
This way, you can ensure the driver is heading in the right direction, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. If it seems like the driver isn’t heading toward your destination, cancel the trip right away.
Exit the vehicle in a safe area
When you request your Uber, make sure the destination you select is in a well-lit and safe area that isn’t right in front of your home.
Being dropped off in a nearby public space might be a safer option than having the driver see exactly where you live if you are feeling uneasy.
Your Ultimate Uber Companion
If you’re taking an Uber anywhere alone, having the Aster app installed on your phone is a must.
With Aster you can:
Contact 911 without making a phone call.
Alert your loved ones that you’re in danger.
Share your live location with emergency responders.
Preprogram information about your whereabouts that people would need to know in an emergency.
Set a timer that will notify 911 if it counts down to zero and isn’t canceled.
The app is designed to get you help fast if ever you need it. But you can also use it if you feel vulnerable in a situation.
Knowing that there’s assistance available at the touch of a button can help you enjoy your life without having to worry about your safety — whether you’re in an Uber or elsewhere.
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