How to Be Safe While Enjoying Uber

How to Be Safe While Enjoying Uber

I’ve only ridden in an Uber car once, and my experience wasn’t too bad. I was at a dinner in Atlanta, Georgia with a security manufacturer, and I hitched a ride with a fellow magazine editor back to the hotel that we were staying at for the duration of the security event. A nice, black, freshly-washed-and-waxed Chrysler 300 pulled up; a young man, probably in his late 20s, was driving.

Now, as a Texan, and being in what is considered the “Deep South,” I expected the driver to get out and open the door for us, since we’re both ladies. But, no, we opened the car door ourselves, got in and buckled up as the driver grunted a mumbled “hello,” and we were off. 

The ride itself was pretty smooth. We didn’t get lost, nor did we feel that our safety was compromised. Conversation between us and the driver left a lot to be desired; but, overall, the experience was good and it served its purpose.

In the news recently, story after story has been coming out about situations in which Uber passengers found themselves in undesirable situations, some even dangerous, even though drivers must submit to background checks to become Uber “chauffeurs.”

Los Angeles and San Francisco district attorneys announced that they are filing suit against Uber. They claim that Uber misleads users by saying it does “an industry-leading, background-check process.” The truth is that Uber doesn’t even fingerprint their drivers. Because of this, Uber’s criminal checks are “worthless,” according to George Gascon, San Francisco district attorney. Gascon claims that this statement gives consumers a false sense of security when getting into a stranger’s car.

“It was incredibly easy to be a driver,” said Rachael Speakman, an Uber driver in Massachusetts. “All you need is a car 2004 or newer with four doors. You do have to submit a background check, send a photo of your license, registration and proof of insurance, but I was able to do it all from my iPhone. Within a week, they sent me an IPhone loaded with Uber driver software to use.”

But, isn’t riding in an Uber car the same as hailing a taxi? Most of the time, both types of drivers are complete strangers and you get into their vehicles anyway. You are in essence, accepting a ride from a complete stranger…the things we teach our kids not to do.

Here are some things to consider when riding in an Uber car or a traditional taxi:

  • If something doesn’t feel right, pay attention to your gut or that little voice inside your head for warning signs.
  • If you need to get out of a ride share situation, come up with a practical excuse. For example, tell the driver you feel sick and need to get out.
  • NEVER get into a car that you didn’t order from Uber.
  • Enable location tracking on your smartphone so others know where you are.
  • Travel with others whenever possible; there’s power in numbers.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.