Urban ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, Via, and Getaround have changed the way we travel. Within a few seconds, you can download the app, create an account, and book a ride. All these are at your fingertips.
However, there have been a lot of safety issues that have been linked to these rideshare services for both drivers and passengers.
Sadly, there have been multiple reports circulating on the internet, especially about the sexual assaults that have spoiled ridesharing’s reputation. Recently, a student from San Diego State filed a second sexual assault case against an off-campus rideshare.
In this article, we will look at some key strategies that you can follow to overcome urban rideshare service risks.
Understanding Safety Risks in Rideshare Services
Ridesharing involves getting inside the care of a stranger who is unknown to you and can never be trusted. There is a huge risk that you take when traveling via rideshare services.
On the other hand, if you are a driver, then the same risk factor applies to you too. You could also be potentially meeting a passenger who could be rude and problematic.
Some of the other common risks that you might potentially face are
- Incidents of physical assaults that could involve sexual assault too as mentioned earlier.
- Personal belongings getting snatched is another worry which usually happens during late-night rides.
- Ridesharing drivers drive on the road for longer periods with multiple pickups and drops. This could potentially make drivers tired and that could lead to an accident.
On the other hand, urban cities alone pose extra challenges along with the above-mentioned ridesharing safety risks.
- In large urban cities, where there is a lot of anonymity, committing crimes becomes easy for criminals.
- There is a lot of ridesharing activity going on in these urban cities which will increase the chances of safety issues.
Even though it’s hard to highlight specific ridesharing safety incidents in urban areas, the statistics are still concerning. According to Statista, 41.5 percent of violent crimes in 2022 were reported to the police. The most common crime reported to police was robbery, at 64 percent. However, rape and sexual assault were the least likely to be reported to the police, with just 21.4% reported.
This data highlights how dangerous these urban environments are for passengers and drivers.
Measures Taken by Rideshare Companies
Ridesharing services work by matching passengers with unknown drivers. This creates a situation where both the passengers and drivers are at risk considering both are unknown to each other.
Even though there are numerous ridesharing companies, Uber is one company that stands out as a dominant player in the market. Based on a recent report, Uber’s market share hovered between 68 and 74 percent between 2017 and 2023.
The incidents associated with Uber have always been under the spotlight because of its popularity and massive user base. Furthermore, there have been a lot of sexual assault reports involving Uber passengers.
Only a year ago, a woman from Orange County accused her driver of raping her on April 16, 2023. As reported in the lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court, the victim fell asleep in the back seat of the car. Unfortunately, her driver woke her up, parked the car, got in the back seat, and raped her.
To address these concerns keeping passenger safety in mind, the ridesharing companies have introduced various safety features. Background checks, in-app safety features, driver training, etc are some of the main features.
Despite all these features, you cannot say with surety that these safety measures are foolproof. All the previously discussed unforeseen events can still happen with all these features in place.
Therefore, the only way out is to stay alert and be aware of what’s happening around you. If you’re one of the victims, it would make sense to consult an Uber sexual assault lawyer.
Lawyers specializing in ridesharing sexual assault cases can help you get justice by understanding your options and holding perpetrators accountable. Moreover, TorHoerman Law believes fighting for justice is vital to restoring the dignity and healing of sexual assault survivors.
Best Practices for Passengers to Ensure Safety
Share Your Trip Details
Before you begin your trip, make sure to share your trip details with one of your family members or your roommate. The details such as driver’s name, license plate number, and most importantly your estimated arrival time.
Verify, Don’t Assume
Make a habit of double-checking the driver’s identity and vehicle information before getting in the car. The driver’s photo and car details should ideally match the details that appear on the app.
Backseat is Best
Try to choose a backseat as your option whenever possible. This will help you maintain distance between you and the driver and can easily exit if required.
Lighten Up Your Location
Make sure the pick-up and drop-off locations are well-lit locations, especially during night times. Avoid remote areas and poorly lit streets.
Tech to the Rescue
Most of the rideshares nowadays come with safety features. Hence, keep your trusted contacts up to date on your location with real-time ride tracking.
Stay Alert
Pay attention to your surroundings throughout your ride. Trust your gut instincts and speak up if you feel uncomfortable.
To put all this in a nutshell, it’s important to prioritize safety over comfort. Passengers and ridesharing companies need to understand the risks, implement best practices, and get legal help if necessary. Remember, a little bit of awareness can make a huge difference.
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