People all over the country talking about the South Carolina student who was found dead over the weekend. She had called for an Uber but reportedly got into the wrong car, that wasn’t an Uber at all, and never got home. Now students all over, including at Texas Tech, are thinking about ways to be more careful about such things. And seasoned Uber and Lyft drivers tell us there are several things you can do to make sure you’re getting into the right car.
“It does make me think about it. I mean, I get into Ubers every single weekend probably,” said Texas Tech sophomore, Yazim Sanchez.
Experiences Uber and Lyft Driver Andrew Crumrine said to use your common sense if you think you’re in a dangerous situation.
“If you get a bad feeling, ask for the ride to stop,” Crumrine said. “It could have been prevented if it was the right car and she was looking for the driver’s name and face.”
Crumrine is referencing all the information Uber and Lyft apps give on its drivers. When you call for a ride, the app gives you the name of the driver, a picture of the driver, the make and model of the car, the car’s color, even a license plate number. Before getting into the car, make sure you confirm all these things match up. If not, don’t get inside.
Crumrine said this not only keeps you safe, but also ensures you get to the right final destination.
But the safety tips don’t stop there. Before you get into the car you should ask the driver, “Who is this ride for?” If they can confirm your name through the app, you know it’s the correct driver and you’re getting into the correct ride-sharing car.
Although that is good for safety, Uber and Lyft drivers also recommend you ask for the driver’s name first. If the driver answers correctly according to the app, you know it’s a legitimate ride. The driver will then most likely ask you for your name next. This is a two-part verification system which ensures your safety and that riders aren’t “stealing” other people’s rides.
Texas Tech students already using some of these tips.
“I don’t want anything bad to happen,” said Texas Tech freshman Yvette Otieno. “I make sure we get into the right car so we don’t get into the wrong car and no one knows where we are.”
The goal for riders and drivers is that everyone gets home safely.