10 Essential Safety Tips for Uber & Lyft Riders

Rideshare safety essentials: Uber and Lyft rides are statistically safe — Uber's 2019–2020 US Safety Report documented approximately 0.59 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled, below the national average. However, riders should always follow core safety practices: verify the vehicle and driver before entering, share your trip with a trusted contact, sit in the back seat, and know where the in-app emergency button is located.

Before You Get In

1. Verify the Car and Driver

Before getting into any vehicle, always confirm three things:

• License plate — match it to what the app shows
• Car make/model/color — confirm it matches
• Driver's face — compare to the profile photo

Ask the driver "Who are you here for?" instead of saying your name first. A legitimate driver will know your name.

2. Don't Wait at the Curb

Wait inside or in a well-lit area until your driver is 1–2 minutes away. Standing at the curb with your phone out makes you a target, especially late at night.

3. Share Your Trip

Both apps have a "Share Trip" feature that sends your real-time location and ETA to a friend or family member. Set this up before your ride — it takes one tap and provides a live tracking link.

During the Ride

4. Sit in the Back Seat

The back seat gives you more personal space and easier exit options (two doors vs. one). It's also the standard expectation — most drivers prefer it. Sit behind the passenger seat for the easiest exit to the curb.

5. Follow Along on the Map

Keep the app open and watch the route. If the driver takes an unexpected detour, ask about it. Both apps show the expected route, making it easy to spot deviations.

6. Keep Your Seatbelt On

This should go without saying, but always wear your seatbelt — in every ride, every time. Rideshare accidents happen, and seatbelts save lives.

7. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off — the driver is behaving strangely, the car doesn't match, or you feel uncomfortable for any reason — don't get in or ask to be let out. You can cancel the ride and request a new one. Your safety is worth the cancellation fee.

After the Ride

8. Check for Belongings

Before closing the door, do a quick phone-keys-wallet check. Uber reports that thousands of items are left in cars daily — phones, wallets, keys, and glasses are the most common.

9. Rate Honestly

Your rating helps other riders. If a driver was unsafe, report it immediately through the app's safety features — don't just leave a low star rating. Both Uber and Lyft have 24/7 safety teams that investigate reports.

10. Know the Emergency Features

Both apps have built-in emergency buttons that connect you to 911 and share your location automatically. Know where this button is before you need it:

• Uber: Safety toolkit (shield icon) → Emergency → Call 911
• Lyft: Safety Center → Emergency services

Additional Safety Features

Both platforms have added features worth knowing about:

• PIN verification: Uber lets you require a PIN that your driver must confirm before starting the trip
• Audio recording: Both apps offer ride recording in select markets for dispute resolution
• RideCheck: Uber automatically detects unusual stops or route deviations and checks in with both rider and driver

The Bottom Line

Rideshare is statistically very safe, but a few simple habits — verifying your driver, sharing your trip, and sitting in the back — can make every ride safer. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and use the safety features built into the apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uber or Lyft safe to use?

Yes, both platforms are statistically safe. Uber's 2019–2020 US Safety Report documented approximately 0.59 fatal crashes per 100 million miles, which is below the US national average. Both platforms require background checks for all drivers and offer in-app emergency features.

How do I verify my Uber or Lyft driver?

Before entering any rideshare vehicle, confirm three things: the license plate number matches your app, the car make/model/color matches, and the driver's face matches their profile photo. Ask "Who are you here for?" instead of giving your name first.

What should I do if I feel unsafe in an Uber or Lyft?

Both apps have a built-in emergency button that calls 911 and shares your GPS location. On Uber, tap the shield icon, then Emergency, then Call 911. On Lyft, go to Safety Center, then Emergency services. You can also ask the driver to pull over and let you out at any time.