Uber is one of the most widely used and respected rideshare apps today and forms of transportation.
They were the first and most popular initially and still provide ride-share services all over the country.
However, over the years, the app has come to draw its share of negative attention regarding safety concerns and mishaps over the years.
Many patrons wonder if Uber is still safe to use in 2023 and beyond.
Keep reading to find out more details riders need to know and get some tips on staying safe when using these types of apps to get around your area or, for times traveling away from home.
Is Uber Safe?
Uber makes a point to create the safest conditions for riders and drivers possible by implementing certain rules, regulations, and safety measures.
However, even with all these measures in place, there’s always a small chance that the ride can end with a problem and can potentially be dangerous.
With that in mind, it’s essential to know some critical details about safety, rules, and more.
Staying informed and aware of specific conditions and other information is the best way to make choices and help riders stay safe when commuting to and from locations using Uber.
Is Uber Safe for Riders?
Overall, Uber is considered safe for riders and is a modern, convenient way to get from one place to another quickly.
In fact, Uber provides top safety measures to help ensure that riders remain safe and continue to want to use the service for their transportation needs, such as Uber background checks.
While we would answer yes to the question, “Is Uber safe?”, you should always be aware when riding in an Uber.
Related: Is Uber or Lyft safer for riders?
Is Uber safe for females?
In many situations, females should be very aware of their surroundings, and Uber is no exception.
Although Uber is generally safe, there are still some common-sense safety precautions to know.
- Females should always ride in the back of the Uber, and having some personal protection devices available can be a good safety measure.
- Be sure to verify details of the vehicle, driver, and the trip before entering the Uber.
- Be sure to let someone know that you’re riding in an Uber if possible and keep your GPS tracking device activated for an added level of security.
- Don’t give personal information to the driver and keep conversations brief.
- You’ll also want to avoid taking an Uber if you’re intoxicated or feeling very ill.
Is Uber safe for kids?
In short, the answer is no.
Children can’t create and use an Uber account.
Only adults over the age of 18 can call and use Uber services.
An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.
Although there are a few ride-share apps (like HopSkipDrive) that allow children to use their service, Uber strictly forbids it.
There are too many instances where something can happen, and it’s important to remember that it’s a stranger essentially transporting a child.
You don’t want children riding alone with a stranger.
Is Uber safe for seniors?
The safety of Uber is much better than taking public transportation such as the bus.
However, there is always the risk of something happening when using a ride-share application.
The best course of action is to take certain safety precautions and help seniors with using the app.
Track their progress and get updates about their trip if possible.
If a senior is traveling alone, they should always call ahead to the destination about the ETA and try to inform others of the ride details.
Which Uber Service is Safest?
Traditional Uber tends to be the safest choice due to the app’s built-in features and the extensive screening process of the drivers.
Although there are several competitors on the market today, they still don’t have the safety features of Uber.
Common Uber Safety Complaints
Some of the most common safety issues with Uber include various instances regarding the accused driver’s style of driving, including the following.
- Lack of attention to the road
- Excessive speed
- Taking the busiest route
Keep in mind that each Uber driver is different.
If there is an issue, contact Uber and report it to the company and let the police know if you feel your life is in danger.
Harassment for Women During Rides
Women should always be prepared for instances where individuals may try to harass them.
This can also include using a ride-share app like Uber.
Try to avoid conversations with the driver.
You can call someone on the phone to avoid speaking with them or pretend if necessary.
Report all instances of harassment to the company and make sure to have the driver stop and let you out if you feel uncomfortable.
Unsafe Drivers
If you’re riding with an unsafe driver, you should ask them to stop and let you out.
You can then report them to the company and request another driver.
It’s best not to take chances when riding with Uber drivers who increase the chances for an accident.
Notable Uber Safety Incidents
The most notable incidents in Uber history included over 3,000 sexual assaults in 2019, in addition to 9 murders.
Always be vigilant when using a ride-share app like Uber and let a friend or family member know details about the ride.
The Reaction: Added Safety Features
As part of the backlash and out of concern for rider safety, the company has added safety features into a feature they are calling the Uber Safety Toolkit.
Uber Safety Toolkit: Standard Safety Features
These new features positively affect users and drivers, but other safety precautions mentioned earlier also help prevent crimes.
Trusted Contacts
One of the first safety features the company rolled out was Trusted Contacts.
Trusted Contacts allows Uber users to share their trip details with a list of contacts that are added into the Uber app.
This includes trip status details, and real-time ride tracking so those contacts know where you and your Uber vehicle are at all times.
RideCheck
One of the newest safety features for Uber is RideCheck.
It sends an alert to the driver for long stops or potential crashes.
It’s also for any instances where the app detects something off.
The safety features use GPS and the driver’s phone sensor to detect any potential issues.
Emergency Assistance
There’s also a new option to use an emergency button to call 911 from the Uber app, which helps riders get help if they need it.
You can text 911 from within the Uber app – without the driver knowing.
It’s a subtle yet cool feature that can help riders discreetly alert authorities about an unsafe situation.
Uber’s COVID-19 Safety Features
As a response to COVID-19, the company was quick to act to keep riders and driver safe.
Some safety precautions that the company took was to require all riders and drivers to wear a mask at all times.
They also encouraged drivers to install safety screens made from a plastic material between the rider and driver, further reducing the amount of particulate matter than could potentially pass between the rider and driver.
Tips for a Safer Uber Ride
It is obvious that Uber has taken steps in the right direction in terms of safety, but there are still some things that you should keep top of mind when riding with this service.
1. Confirm your Ride Before Getting In
Make sure you get the right Uber and check the details provided in the app to ensure you’re getting in the right vehicle.
Check the driver’s vehicle description and tag number each time.
Then, once you enter the vehicle, ask for a driver’s first name and look for the driver’s photo and license plate number.
Ask the dispatcher for more details if necessary.
In some cases, people are fooled by other vehicles and even mistake one vehicle for their ride and get into a stranger’s car.
This situation can prove very dangerous.
Prevention is the key to safety and staying safe with ridesharing services.
2. Trust Your Instincts
If you feel something isn’t right, trust your instincts.
Your instincts might save your life.
Never enter into a vehicle if you feel uncomfortable no matter what the reason.
You can always request another ride to stay safe.
3. Tell a Friend or Family Where You’re Going
As mentioned earlier, it’s a great idea to let someone know where you’re going and even give them a snapshot of your Uber details before you depart.
It’s an added layer of security should something happen.
4. Don’t Ride Impaired
Reduce the risk of negative experiences and danger and avoid riding impaired if possible.
If you’re impaired, it’s best to let someone you trust to take you home and not an Uber.
5. Report Unsafe Driving
If there’s an instance of unsafe driving, be sure to report the incident and get out.
You can also use the built-in 911 features within the app to reach local authorities if you feel uncomfortable calling or the driver refuses to stop.
6. Report Strange Behavior
It has been widely reported that some riders get into a car only to find a friend or family member riding along with their driver.
Yes, this can help the safety of the driver, but leaves the riders questioning if Uber drivers can have a passenger.
No, they can’t, and that should be reported to customer service immediately.
If you aren’t comfortable taking the ride, get out and then explain to Uber why you cancelled the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still asking yourself is Uber safe?
Take a look at these commonly asked questions.
Which is safer: Uber or taxi?
Uber is statistically safer, and there’s a more extensive screening process involved with hiring individuals.
In addition, there are built-in safety features and more.
However, both options can provide safe travel, while each can pose its own risk.
It depends on the driver and the passenger.
Do Uber drivers prefer you to sit in the front or back?
The most preferred place to sit in an Uber is in the back seat.
Though many drivers don’t mind either, you should ask first.
Sitting in the back gives both parties some space and added safety.
Can you reject an Uber driver?
If you start asking yourself “is Uber safe?” during a ride, then it is time to think twice about continuing the ride.
You can cancel the ride up to a few minutes before the driver arrives.
Contact the company to block certain drivers.
Know that the driver can also reject a ride if it takes over 45 minutes.
Do Uber drivers know the destination before accepting?
The driver doesn’t know the destination of the rider before accepting the request.
However, they can see an approximate indication of travel time.
Why did Uber ask for a selfie?
Uber asks for a selfie wearing a mask to protect the driver.
If you’ve violated this rule previously, you’ll need to submit a selfie with a mask before pickup.
Wrapping Up
Uber has been around for years now, but over time, they have issues with the safety and security of both riders and drivers.
Although Uber is typically safe in most locations, there are still some safety concerns for now and going forward in the future.
Over the last several years, the company has recently scrambled to add more safety features to protect everyone.
The most recent additions are a built-in 911 feature and detection of unusual activity such as long stops or potential accidents.
Although these attempts help provide an extra layer of security, they can’t 100% prevent a negative experience or even an altercation or physical attack.
The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you let someone know where you’re going.
You can also make a phone call to speak with someone you know if you feel uncomfortable.
Be sure to let the company know immediately if there’s unsafe driving or dangerous behavior from the driver.
Always accompany children under 18 on the ride and monitor the safety of seniors.
Uber is still a convenient way to get around safer than public transportation or cabs, but you still need to observe safety precautions each time you ride.
