Uber Ride

You have been at a friend's party all night and have finally decided that you are ready to go home. Since you knew there wouldn't be any parking you caught a ride with another friend but they aren't ready to leave yet. You really want to go home and remember that you can get an Uber. Opening the app, you type in your address and pick the cheapest option. Your diver is Jackson and he will be picking you up in a blue Toyota Camry. You watch the map closely until it tells you that your driver is only a few minutes away. You... [[head outside to wait.]] [[wait inside until the driver texts you.]]

You thank the party host for inviting you and say "goodbye" to some friends as you make your way out the door. It is a lot darker than you anticipated when you walk outside. As you are waiting by the road, a dark car pulls up beside you. Could this be your Uber? You tap on the window and the guy rolls it down. "Yeah?" You ask... [["Are you my Uber driver?"]] [["Who are you here to pick up?"]]

Not wanting to stand outside and look like an idiot, you decide to wait inside until the driver texts you. You continue mingling with the party goers until your phone vibrates in your pocket. After saying "goodbye" to the party's host and some other friends, you make your way out the door. The night is darker than you anticipated and the row of cars parked outside of the house confuses you. You nonchalantly scope out the cars until you see one that has a person in it. The car isn't quite a blue color but it's so dark that it might be and you're just wrong. Either way, you approach the car and tap on the window. The guy rolls the window down. "Yeah?" You ask... [["Are you my Uber driver?"]] [["Who are you here to pick up?"]]It takes him a second to answer. "I am. Climb on in." [[You open the back passenger side door, sliding into the seat.]] [[Ask him his name.]]

It takes him a second to answer. "I am. Climb on in." [[You open the back passenger side door, sliding into the seat.]] [[Ask him his name.]]

The guy looks confused, studying you for a moment before replying, "You, of course. Climb on in." [[You open the back passenger side door, sliding into the seat.]] [[Ask him his name.]]

Not all rideshare horror stories are like this one. There have been many accounts of drivers turning out to be liars and being accused of sexual harassment/abuse, among other things. Unfortunately, rideshares are still a relatively new form of social media and there are no formal statistics about the crimes committed through rideshares or those that are impersonating rideshare employees. The news is filled with updates on ongoing investigations. Samantha Joseph is a name whispered by many as she is the most recent victim of a rideshare impersonation. CNN had conducted an investigation that revealed 103 Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault, at least 31 drivers being convicted. Never fear, here is [[how to be cautious when using rideshare apps.]]

He looks around before pulling back onto the street. After a while you notice that the driver has taken a detour and you don't recognize where you are anymore. You try asking where he is taking you, a sinking feeling in your stomach that something isn't right. [[You can only assume the worst.]]

You reach for the handle of the back passenger side door but hesitate. "Sorry," you laugh. "but what's your name again?" He seems irritated that you asked. "Just get in so I can take you home." How rude! Someone isn't going to get five stars. Your phone vibrates in your pocket again, stalling you from getting into the car. It's a text from Jackson. "I have been waiting for almost five minutes. Are you canceling the trip?" Ah, so this guy you're talking to right now isn't your driver. You reply quickly to Jackson, asking him where he is parked and if he could flash his lights. You see the flashing further up the road on the opposite side. "I think that's my ride, actually." You say to the guy before turning quickly and [[jogging to the Uber.]]

You get to the real Uber and confirm with the driver that he is Jackson and he is taking you to the address you requested. That whole exchange with the other guy has you shook up. If Jackson hadn't texted you, well... [[You can only assume the worst.]] Thankfully, you knew [[how to be cautious when using rideshare apps.]]

There are many ways to keep yourself safe when ordering a ride share: Uber: Wait indoors for your ride: Avoid spending unnecessary time outside alone with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait indoors until the app shows your driver has arrived. Pay attention to the vehicle: Check out the make and model of the car that pulls up and compare the license plate number to the one listed on the app. Also, look at the driver photo and name. Make sure it matches what’s listed in the app. Look for the beacon: Uber has begun rolling out a glowing sign it calls a "beacon" in some markets. The device glows in a color the would-be passenger selects, so they’ll know exactly which vehicle is the one they ordered. Still, dashboard LED lights that say "Uber" or "Lyft" can be misleading. Anyone – not just authorized drivers – can buy them on Amazon for less than $20. Use caution: Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never get in a car with a driver who claims to be with Uber and offers a ride. Sit in the backseat: If you’re riding alone, this ensures you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle to avoid moving traffic, and it gives you and your driver some personal space. Wear a seat belt: The Centers for Disease Control reports that seatbelt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries related to car accidents. Let a friend know: While en route, tap “Share status” in the app to share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member. They can track your trip and see your ETA without downloading the Uber app. Don't share too much info: There’s no need to share your phone number or other contact information with your driver. If a rider and driver need to contact each other, the Uber app automatically anonymizes both phone numbers to protect everyone’s privacy. Trust your instincts: Use your best judgment when riding with Uber. And if you ever feel you’re in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately. You can do that right within the mobile app, as Uber also began rolling out an emergency button for the app in 2018. Be respectful: As outlined in Uber's community guidelines, please respect your driver and his or her car. Give feedback: Your feedback helps make the experience better for everyone. There's a 24/7 global support team that reviews feedback and will follow up with appropriate action on any reports of conduct that violate our community guidelines. Lyft Before you get in: Ask the driver who he or she is there to pick up. Since the app provides the driver with your name, they should be able to answer. Call it in: The company has a critical response team that is always available if you are involved in an incident that you believe threatens your personal safety. First, call the authorities and then report the problem to Lyft. Leave the gun at home: Lyft doesn't allow drivers or riders to carry weapons, even in places where it's legal to carry a weapon. It's safer for everyone. Rate your driver: You’ve got the power. Passengers and drivers rate each other after every ride. If you rate someone 3 stars or below, you’ll never be matched with them again. Keep your valuables close: Per Lyft's terms of service, the company is not responsible for personal belongings left in the car by drivers or riders, and there's no reimbursement for those items. Keep everyone's safety in mind: This means not asking your driver to make that illegal 16-point U-turn in that intersection and remembering to bring a child seat with you if you need one. (Tips courtesy of USA Today)