How to Be Safe While Enjoying Uber

How to Be Safe While Enjoying Uber

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Dec 11, 2014

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

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.