3. A camera device that begins recording when the passenger enters/exits the car. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

4 Cool Ideas Uber/Lyft Should Add  To Help Keep Riders Safe

Because enough is enough already.

492
4 Cool Ideas Uber/Lyft Should Add  To Help Keep Riders Safe

Over the past few months, there have been issues where Lyft/Uber drivers have been harassing, assaulting and even killing passengers. You never know who you get into a car with because there are sick people in this world. One girl came to social media to express her horrifying encounter with a Lyft driver. She was trying to go to CVS, but the Lyft driver turned the system off and proceeded to ask for her number and smoke. When the girl declined, he went off route and demanded she take her clothes off. She tried to call 911, but the driver tried to attack her. Luckily, there were people who witnessed her calling for help through the window and encouraged her to jump out of the car with scrapes and bruises.

This is scary because I had two Lyft drivers; BOTH were men, who asked for my number and to get a drink with me. I politely gave them my number out of fear, but immediately blocked and reported them once I got to my destination.

I shouldn't have to be put in this situation at all and no one else should either.

Earlier this year, a college student named Samantha Josephson was tragically murdered after entering the wrong car, which she believed was her Uber ride. After hearing the news, I started becoming super paranoid about riding Lyft/Uber. I started to become highly cautious when it came to the license plates matching the ride as well as the driver confirming his name. It is important for passengers to ask, "What is my name?" Before entering the car.

In April of 2019, Lyft shared its commitment to safety by informing customers about enhanced background checks and identity verification. However, that isn't enough in my opinion. Anyone can lie on their resume and still get the job. It's a sad case, but it's true. These ride-sharing companies should do more to ensure passengers are safe. You never know if someone is really trustworthy or not.

Riding in a vehicle with a stranger will always have risks, but these suggestions can keep passengers safe and stay alert to danger. After all, the key goal is to get to your destination in a safe manner. Some suggestions include:

1. Install a GPS warning/alert to authorities if the vehicle starts going off route.

There is no reason why your driver should be going off-route in the first place. Even if there is construction or an accident, the Uber/Lyft will update automatically for the driver. If the driver were to go off-course in the car, having the GPS notification will alert authorities immediately and track your exact location.

2. A safety/emergency button that will immediately call 911 (and also notify Lyft/Uber), which works if you cannot talk in the car.

This add-on will allow you to press and hold down a button, which immediately dials 911 and notifies Lyft/Uber. It will warn you and make you aware that you are alerting authorities. In most situations, calling 911 and "talking on the phone," will make the drive panic and act quickly. If the driver knows you're calling the police on them, they will strike. The key is to do everything in secret There is also an app called Noonlight (formerly known as Safe Trek) that does this. This works with or without internet.

3. A camera device that begins recording when the passenger enters/exits the car.

Some drivers have personal cameras for their own safety, however there should be one regardless that starts once the passenger enters and leaves. Some people are hesitant towards being recorded, but this will only be viewed by authorities/Lyft/Uber. I would rather be safe than sorry.

4. At the end of the ride, the PASSENGER would have the opportunity to end the ride, confirming they made it safe, rather than just the driver.

At the end of the ride, you get notified that you've reached your destination and the rating of your ride. However, the passenger should have the opportunity to confirm the arrival as well. Some drivers will say you arrived but you were probably dropped off at a further location. Some Uber/Lyft drivers will turn everything off. But the passenger will still have the power to confirm. If there is no confirmation after 30 minutes from drop-off, the authorities will be notified.

Honorable Mention: For now, it is best to start carrying pepper spray or a small knife with you. Always trust your gut.

Like I said, always trust your gut and if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to take them down. This would be the last resort if nothing works out. But always CARRY a defense weapon on you. Your safety is the most important thing when getting from A to B.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

824
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2387
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2645
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7356
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments