Know Before You Go: Rideshare Safety -- Security Today

Know Before You Go: Rideshare Safety

There are several things riders can and should do before and during a ride to take charge of their own security and make sure that the vehicle is one they have booked.

By Matthew Bradley
Apr 15, 2019

Rideshare platforms have been flooding the recent news cycle following the murder of a South Carolina student by a man posing as a rideshare driver. Having become an important part of our national transportation system and because so many individuals and businesses depend on them daily, rideshare apps have security measures in place to help provide safe experiences for users. However, there are several things riders can and should do before and during a ride to take charge of their own security and make sure that the vehicle is one they have booked.

Before entering the car, travelers should refer to the rideshare app for the model, color and license plate of the vehicle coming to pick them up. Riders can use this information to confirm their vehicle before getting in and should always do so in the following sequence:

1. Look for the make of the car as the vehicle approaches: Travelers can usually identify the make by the emblem on the hood or the words on the back of the vehicle.

2. Confirm the model of the vehicle: The model of a vehicle can usually be found on the trunk. If provided by the app, ridesharers should also use this time to confirm the color of the car.

3. Confirm the license plate number: Many rideshare vehicles look the same, so it’s important to use the license plate number as final confirmation that it’s the correct car before approaching the vehicle. License plate numbers are unique to each vehicle, so if the number in your app differs from the number on the car, do not approach the vehicle. If the number matches, move on to the next step.

4. Indicate for the driver to lower the window or open the back door without entering the vehicle: Before entering the vehicle, travelers should always ask the driver to tell them who he/she is there to pick up. Rideshare platforms provide all drivers with the rider’s name so there is no reason for a rider to enter a vehicle without confirming the driver has the correct name. During this step, ride sharers must remember not to share their name first. If the rider does not hear their name or doesn’t understand the driver, they can ask for the driver to show them the app. If this is the case, travelers should look for the pickup name on the app. Even if the license plate number matches the app, do not get into the car until confirming the driver is there to pick you up.

After getting in the car, riders should remain vigilant. Rideshare apps offer a couple of ways to enhance safety and security while on the ride, including:

● An option to share your destination with a trusted contact: Rideshare apps offer the ability to share the route and destination of a trip, including anticipated arrival time, with any contacts. If on a personal trip, riders may want to share their trip with a friend or relative. If on a work trip, riders can share trips with colleagues or supervisors. As an additional safety measure, travelers can follow-up with whoever they shared their ride with via text, asking them to call you if late.

● An emergency feature within the app: Most rideshare apps have a safety button that connects riders directly to the company safety and security team. Riders can use this button if they feel insecure at any point during their experience. Situations such as erratic driving, an abusive driver or deviating from the recommended route are all reasons to contact the safety team. After contacted, safety teams are able to track the vehicle, communicate with the driver and contact local authorities, if necessary.

Although we should always be cognizant of our surroundings, it’s important to remember that rideshare companies provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation for millions of people every day. The tragedy in South Carolina reminds us that there are predators out there who mean harm and because of this, we must look out for each other and ourselves. Applying these simple steps to everyday travel could help riders prevent future tragedies.

DSI Security Officers Prevented Mass Shooting, Shielded Fellow Officer Amid Gunfire
05/09/2025
Genetec, SaferWatch Bring Real-Time Vehicle Intelligence to Public Safety Agencies
05/08/2025
ZBeta Strengthens Its Advisory Bench with New Appointment
05/05/2025
Security Trends Reshaping Enterprise Resilience Into 2027
05/05/2025
Amerant Bank Selects Omnilert AI Technology for Enhanced Video Surveillance Security
05/02/2025
Minnesota County Is Still Reaping Huge Benefits from ASAP Service
05/01/2025
Winsted Unveils Pinnacle Collection with Sliding Worksurface
04/30/2025
Everon Awarded Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract
04/30/2025

Featured

TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement Today

Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Read Now
Body-Worn Cameras on the Rise

On the evening of Oct. 29, 2024, the owner of 300 Guard based in Houston, was shot while on duty at a convenience store. He returned fire. He was wearing a plated vest and thankfully recovered in the hospital. Read Now
- Government
Brazil Port Enhances Surveillance and Supports Wildlife Conservation with Sustainable Technology

Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has deployed state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras from Axis Communications to enhance nighttime security and visibility, while decreasing environmental impact and prioritizing sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the port now has precise surveillance cameras that capture high-quality nighttime images, while reducing the amount of artificial lighting that negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Read Now
- Government
Fast-Forward from 1,000 B.C.E. to Today

The lock and key have been around since time immemorial. In fact, the locksmith profession is one of the oldest in the world when you consider the earliest wooden tumbler lock debuted three-plus millennia ago. Read Now
- Access Control
Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report Notes Alarming Cyberattack Surge Through Third Parties

Verizon Business recently released its 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), which reveals a significant increase in cyberattacks. The report found that third-party involvement in breaches has doubled to 30%, and exploitation of vulnerabilities has surged by 34%, creating a concerning threat landscape for businesses globally. Read Now
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Luma x20

Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”
AC Nio

Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.
HD2055 Modular Barricade

Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.