Unsafe rideshare or taxi driver: safety, escape, and emergency response¶

Rideshare services (such as Uber and Lyft) and traditional taxis provide convenient transportation, but encountering an impaired, aggressive, distracted, or predatory driver requires quick safety decisions and clear action.

Do this now¶

1. Verify the vehicle make, model, color, license plate number, and driver photo before opening the vehicle door. Ask the driver "Who are you picking up?" to verify your name.
2. Sit in the back seat on the passenger side so you have two clear exit doors and can maintain distance from the driver.
3. Share your live trip status with a trusted family member or friend through the rideshare app before or during the ride.
4. If a driver behaves aggressively, drives recklessly, appears intoxicated, or deviates significantly from your route, demand firmly to be dropped off at the next safe, well-lit public location.
5. Use the in-app 911 Emergency Button immediately if you feel threatened or the driver refuses to let you out.

Pre-ride safety verification¶

Prevent safety issues before getting inside a vehicle:

• Match license plates: Always check the physical license plate against the plate shown in your app. Never get into a car with a non-matching plate.
• Confirm driver identity: Look at the driver's face to ensure they match the app profile photo.
• Check child locks: Ensure the interior rear door handle functions before closing the door if possible.
• Avoid solo travel while heavily intoxicated: If you have been drinking, travel with a sober friend or ensure someone tracks your trip live.

Identifying unsafe driver behavior during a ride¶

Pay attention to red flags that indicate a ride is unsafe:

• Impairment signs: Swerving, erratic braking, slurred speech, heavy odor of alcohol or marijuana, or nodding off at red lights.
• Aggressive driving: Excessive speeding, tailgating, road rage with other drivers, or running red lights.
• Inappropriate behavior: Asking invasive personal questions (such as whether you live alone), making sexual comments, or refusing to follow GPS directions.
• Suspicious route deviations: Turning onto unlit backroads or driving in the opposite direction of your destination without explanation.

How to exit an unsafe ride safely¶

If you need to leave a vehicle before reaching your destination:

• Choose a safe drop-off location: Identify a well-lit, populated area ahead (a gas station, hotel entrance, grocery store, or restaurant).
• Be clear and assertive: Say firmly, "Please pull over at this gas station. I need to get out here." You do not need to explain why.
• Fake an emergency if needed: If you prefer to avoid direct confrontation, pretend to receive an urgent call or say you feel motion sick and need to step out immediately.
• Do not exit a moving vehicle: Wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before unbuckling your seatbelt and opening the door.

What to do if a driver refuses to let you out¶

If a driver locks the doors, ignores your demands to stop, or acts aggressively:

• Use in-app emergency tools: Tap the safety icon (shield icon in Uber/Lyft) to activate the 911 Assistance button. This transmits your live GPS coordinates, vehicle make, model, and license plate directly to 911 dispatchers.
• Call 911 directly: Dial 911 from your phone and leave the line open so dispatchers can hear what is happening.
• Draw attention: Roll down the window and wave or yell for help to pedestrians or other drivers at stoplights.

Reporting unsafe drivers post-ride¶

• Report in-app immediately: Report safety incidents, driver impairment, or harassment through the app so the platform can suspend the driver's account.
• File a police report: If a driver threatened, assaulted, or unlawfully detained you, file a formal police report with local law enforcement.

Related guides¶

• Being followed
• Robbery and mugging
• Carjacking
• Alcohol intoxication and safe transport
• Emergency numbers