There’s no doubt about it: using a rideshare service is incredibly convenient. They’ve completely changed the transportation industry, making traditional taxis virtually a thing of the past. By simply using an app, you can call a car to pick you up right where you’re at. This is particularly helpful if you’re not able to drive or if you live in an area that doesn’t have public transportation. 

However, there are undeniable risks involved when using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft as well. Getting into a car with a stranger is something many of our parents have cautioned against for as long as we can remember. Though many people successfully complete a trip in a rideshare vehicle without incident every day, some people aren’t so lucky. Here are some of the risks you might face when you use a rideshare service. 

Sexual assault 

Unfortunately, sexual assault is a real concern when using a rideshare service. Thousands of incidences of sexual assault have been reported by both drivers and riders, and many have filed lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft due to these assaults. Sometimes, sexual assault can happen during the ride itself. Other times, people are at risk because the driver now knows where they live and may come back to stalk them or try to assault them. According to Uber’s 2017-2018 safety report, over 5,000 sexual assaults occurred in that timespan, likely an underestimation due to low reporting numbers. 

Physical assault 

Physical assault is another concern when it comes to rideshare services. Though Uber and Lyft have guidelines for their drivers that prohibit them from injuring or touching their riders, these rules unfortunately don’t always prevent that from happening. According to Uber, in 2017-2018, there were 19 fatalities that were the result of physical assault. Because this number only represents physical assaults where someone died as a result of the assault, it likely largely underestimates the number of actual physical assaults that happened in that same time frame.  

Driver impersonation 

While you may feel safe with a vetted rideshare driver, it can be hard to trust that your driver is the real deal. Sometimes, people will pretend to be rideshare drivers to pick up unsuspecting victims. This is why it’s helpful to always ask the driver to verify who they are by asking them who they’re there to pick up. You should also ensure that the car and license plate match that in your app. Driver impersonation may be more likely to happen in busy areas or late at night. 

Unsafe driving 

Regardless of who you get in the car with, there is always a risk of unsafe driving. Accidents happen, and they’re just as likely to happen in a rideshare vehicle as they are in any other vehicle. In fact, if your rideshare driver is unfamiliar with the area or if they’re focusing too much on their GPS and notifications, they may be distracted and may be even more likely to get in an accident. Rideshare drivers do not possess any specific licenses, and there is no real way to know whether they are a good driver or not. 

Be sure to keep your seat belt on at all times, and never be afraid to ask the driver to stop the ride early if you feel they are not driving safely. Just be sure you are in an area where it’s safe for you to get out of the vehicle. 

High costs 

Rideshare services can be expensive, especially if it’s a busy time and you’re hit by surge pricing. You might notice surge pricing after an event lets out and many people are looking for rides. Other costs can come from hidden fees, such as cancellation fees. For example, if you cancel a ride because you’re not comfortable with the driver, you may have to pay a fee. You might also notice cleaning fees that can appear after your ride is over if the driver alleges you left a mess. 

How to reduce rideshare risks 

If you plan to use a rideshare service, there are things you can do to help yourself be safer and reduce the risks when using a company like Uber of Lyft. Here are some general tips: 

• Ensure that the car make, model, and license plate match what you see in your app
• Ask your driver to state who they’re picking up
• Check your driver’s rating in the app
• Share your travel plans with a friend or loved one, and share your location
• Sit in the back of the car, and always wear your seatbelt
• Do not share any personal information with your driver 
• Always pay with the app, not with cash
• Pay attention to where you are to make sure your driver is going where they’re supposed to go

If you do face an issue with a rideshare service, such as physical assault, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, it’s important to report the issue. No concern is too small to report. Be sure to be seen at a hospital as well if you were assaulted. 

Once you’ve had a moment to recover from the initial shock of the assault, you may want to think about pressing charges and/or filing a lawsuit. Many people have filed lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft after they’ve been sexually assaulted in a rideshare vehicle. We can help connect you with a rideshare lawyer who can evaluate your case.