listen checking the license plate isn’t enough, i once hopped into an uber and the license plate was correct but the person driving wasn’t the uber driver connected with that license plate so i got right back out. you should get into the habit of doing all of the following:
disregard lyft and uber stickers. those don’t mean shit any idiot can buy those off amazon and stick them on the windshield.
send a text to your driver. i always do this. i tell them what store i’m waiting in front of or tell them one thing i’m wearing so that they can find me in crowded areas. they’ll sometimes honk when they find me or stick their head out the window to wave me over.
if you can’t find them, call them. again, especially in busy areas where you can get into the wrong car, call your driver. i do it all the time. i ask them to tell me exactly where they’re standing so that i know it’s the right car.
CHECK THE LICENSE PLATE. this is non-negotiable, i don’t care if you have to block traffic to do it, check the entire license plate number before getting into the car. i get my ass right behind the car and i don’t let the person move until i’ve perfectly matched it.
ask your driver their name. i have never had an uber/lyft driver refuse to give me their name. if the driver refuses to tell you or gives you a different name than what’s on your app, get the hell out of there. it’s also worth matching their face to the picture on your app.
ask to see their phone. when you get into the car, their phone should be mounted on the dashboard, and you should see your name and phone number on the screen. if it’s not mounted, ask to see their phone so you can check to make sure you’re in the right car. again, a legit uber/lyft driver will often not refuse this.
do not close the door until you have verified the identity of your driver. this is super important. keep the door open and keep one foot on the ground until you are absolutely positive this is your uber/lyft driver. the last thing you need is someone peeling off after you close the door. that’s how people get kidnapped and killed.
if your drunk friend is calling a car, go outside with them and make sure they’re getting in the right one. i have had two friends to date who were drunk, got into the wrong uber, and were sexually assaulted. please look out for your friends and make sure that they’re getting into the correct car. i would even ask the driver to make sure that the address is correct bc i’ve had drunk friends drive themselves out of state by accident.
please be vigilant, at the end of the day you are asking strangers you do not know to drive you safely somewhere. don’t just hop into any car with abandon, this is literally how people die and get kidnapped.
tangentwithtanner
blakekathryn
titsay
kaledo-art
