Rideshare safety tips can help you make smart decisions before, during, and after every trip. College life is full of late-night study sessions, campus events, parties, and last-minute plans with friends. Before you head out, know how you’re getting there, how you’re getting home, and who you’re going with.
If alcohol is involved, the rule is simple: don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence puts you and everyone else on the road at risk. A rideshare can be a smart and convenient way to get home safely, but it’s still important to stay alert and make safe choices while using it.
Plan Ahead Before You Go Out
The safest nights start with a plan.
- Request your ride before going outside so you’re not standing alone while checking your phone.
- Keep your phone charged so you can contact your driver, share your location, or call for help if needed.
- Travel with friends when possible so you can look out for one another.
These rideshare safety tips can help reduce your risk before your trip even begins.
Verify the Ride Before You Get In
Before entering any rideshare vehicle, take a moment to confirm that everything matches what’s in the app.
- Check the car’s make, model, color, and license plate.
- Make sure the driver’s photo matches the person behind the wheel.
- Let the driver confirm your name before you get in.
Never get into a car until you know it’s the correct ride. If anything seems off, cancel the trip and request another one.
Stay Safe During the Ride
Once you’re in the car, stay aware and keep your personal information private.
- Sit in the back seat whenever possible.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Use the rideshare app to communicate instead of sharing your personal phone number.
- Don’t give out your home address, phone number, or other private details beyond your destination.
- Follow the route on your phone so you know where you’re going.
If the driver takes an unexpected detour or something doesn’t feel right, speak up or contact someone you trust.
Share Your Trip With Someone You Trust
Most rideshare apps let you share your trip in real time. This is a simple but important safety step.
- Send your ride details to a friend or family member.
- Let someone know when you’re leaving and when you expect to arrive.
- If your route changes unexpectedly, your trusted contact can see where you are.
When you’re out at night, it helps to have someone else keeping an eye on your trip.
Closing the Loop
Helping a friend into a rideshare is a great first step—but don’t stop there. Close the loop by making sure they arrive home safely. If they’re too intoxicated to care for themselves, don’t send them home alone. Ride with them or have another trusted friend accompany them. Closing the loop means making sure everyone gets home safely.
This step is especially important because of tragedies like that of Hannah Wilson, a former Indiana University student. Friends believed they had placed her safely into a rideshare, but she never made it home. She was later found murdered after getting into a vehicle driven by a man who was not a legitimate rideshare driver. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder that helping someone into a car isn’t enough—close the loop by making sure they arrive safely.
Looking out for each other doesn’t end when the car pulls away. It ends when everyone gets home safely.
Watch for Red Flags
Not every ride is a safe one. Trust your instincts and pay attention to warning signs.
- Don’t accept off-app or cash rides.
- Don’t cancel the app and pay the driver directly.
- Never accept drinks—even bottled water—from your driver. While most drivers are trustworthy, it’s safest to avoid consuming anything provided by someone you don’t know, as it could be tampered with.
- Check that the child safety lock is not preventing you from opening the door from the inside.
- If something feels wrong, don’t get in the car.
It’s always okay to cancel a ride if you feel uncomfortable.
Know What to Do If You Feel Unsafe
If you ever feel in danger, act quickly.
- Call 911 if you need immediate help.
- Contact a trusted friend or family member right away.
- If necessary, make noise to attract attention.
- Exit in a well-lit, familiar area whenever possible.
Your safety matters more than getting somewhere quickly.
The Bottom Line
Following these rideshare safety tips can help you enjoy a night out while reducing your risk. Having a plan, avoiding drunk driving, and staying aware throughout your trip are simple steps that can make a big difference.
A safe night starts before you leave and ends when you get home. Plan ahead, stay aware, and always look out for yourself and your friends.
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