Okay, so Uber gets a really bad rep. I get it, it's strangers driving you around most of the time and it's all to save a little money. If you are safe about your drive? Everything should be fine. My wife travels a lot for business and always takes an Uber, yes, I get worried, but – she's always safe. Want to know how you too can be safe when traveling with Uber? Take a look!
1 Verify the Identity of the Driver
Not a ton of people do this. Seriously. People just forget about this part.
Frequently asked questions
2 Don't Be on Your Phone the Whole Time
When Heather travels in Uber, her phone is in her hand, but she is watching the road and the driver.
3 Wait inside for Your Ride to Come
If you are going somewhere really early in the morning or really late at night? Wait inside and be safe.
4 If the Driver Looks Sketchy, Don't Go
Simply put, if you aren't comfortable with the driver, ditch him, cancel the ride and get another one.
5 Text Your Friends or Family as Soon as You Are inside the Car
Also, send a picture of the driver and use Waze to make sure they can follow along where you are. It'll make you feel really safe!
6 Take Note of the Driver's Rating on the App
Again, not a lot of people pay attention to this. Pay attention to the driver's ratings. If it's bad? Don't go.
7 If You Feel Unsafe, End the Ride
If you just have a bad feeling, end the ride or don't even get in. Go with your gut, seriously, don't drive with someone that you aren't on board with.
8 Don't Use UberX
So, this one I agree and don't agree with, UberX is the random person that is driving, Uber Black is usually a registered driver that is driving. Heather uses UberX a lot because it's cheaper, however, Uber Black is better if you really, really are uncomfortable with Uber in general.
9 Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you are in a place that you aren't familiar with, take note of landmarks. For example, Heather and I took Uber in Paris (yep, we trusted it that much!) and we took note of all of the surroundings and was totally safe!
10 Keep Your Personal Belongings Close to Your Person
That way, if you DO need to end the ride, you can grab your stuff and go.
11 Pay Attention to the Lock on the Door
If you aren't feeling safe? Unlock the door, it'll be easier to get out if you need to.
12 Carry Mace with You
If you really, really are untrusting of riding Uber, carry mace with you or pepper spray, that way you'll have some sort of protection.
13 Don't Let Yourself Get Too Hyped up
To be honest, before you take an Uber, don't read all of the articles about how unsafe it is. It'll only upset you!
14 Try to Have Them Drop You off in a Public Location
If you are having to go from your house to the airport, have them meet you at a neighbors house or somewhere a little more public so that the Uber driver doesn't know where you live.
15 Rate Your Driver after You Ride
That way, if you feel unsafe or the guy was just weird, you can let other riders know.
16 Keep the Uber App up on Your Phone
I know Heather does this, it lets you really track where you are going and you should be able to follow along yourself.
17 Be Aware
Overall, just be aware and in general, keep yourself on guard whenever you are riding.
