For many women, app-based transportation has replaced the old anxiety of waiting on a curb or asking friends for a lift. The rise of ride-hailing services has created greater mobility for work, appointments and late-night plans, and that freedom can be life changing. Yet that convenience comes with trade-offs: getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t know introduces real safety considerations, and being prepared increases your control.
Most trips end without incident, but documented problems show the stakes. For example, Uber reported 2,717 individual reports of sexual assault in a recent two-year period, and a New York Times investigation found that in 22 U.S. states drivers with prior convictions such as stalking or assault may still be eligible to drive after seven years. Background checks exist, but they are not infallible, and understanding the risks helps you build safer habits.
Before you request a ride
Preparation begins on your phone. Open a mapping app and preview the likely route so you have a benchmark for travel time and general direction; this makes it easier to spot detours or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Verify the booking details when the car arrives: match the license plate, vehicle model and driver photo in your app against the real vehicle. If anything differs, cancel and request another vehicle. Use the app settings to enable safety features—many platforms now offer options like Women Rider Preference or Women+ Connect to prioritize female drivers when available—and keep them turned on for late-night trips.
Locate the in-app emergency tools before you need them. Both major apps include a 911 emergency button and a shield icon that connects you quickly to help; practice tapping it once so it is familiar under stress. Also use the app’s Share My Trip feature to send a live link to a trusted contact so someone can follow your ride in real time. Small setup steps are low effort and provide an extra layer of oversight.
During the ride: positioning and behavior
Seating and situational awareness
Sit in the back seat behind the driver when possible—the position is physically harder for a driver to reach and gives you easier access to either side door. Keep your phone visible and your map open so you can monitor the route continuously; being attentive to turns and neighborhood cues reduces the chance of surprise. If the driver deviates substantially from the expected path, speak up and ask a simple question like, “Is this the usual route?” If you still feel uneasy, request a stop in a well-lit public place and exit.
Conversation and privacy
Polite small talk is normal, but avoid sharing details that reveal where you live, whether you are traveling alone or how long you will be away. If you prefer silence, headphones are an effective social signal that you do not wish to converse. You are not obligated to answer personal questions; keeping the interaction neutral and brief protects your privacy and reduces risk.
If something feels wrong: exit plans and emergency steps
Your instincts are often the quickest safety detector. If a driver behaves inappropriately or announces an unrelated stop, calmly tell them you will get out and find another ride. Have a few rehearsed, low-drama excuses prepared—saying you feel carsick or that you need to retrieve something quickly gives you a nonconfrontational reason to exit. Aim for a visible, populated spot when you leave so you reduce vulnerability after exiting the vehicle.
Using emergency features and contacting help
If a situation escalates, use the app’s emergency button or dial 911 immediately. The apps also allow you to share trip details and vehicle information with contacts; before you ride, consider sending a screenshot of the plate and driver photo to someone you trust. Documenting the plate or sending it in real time increases the odds that responders or the company can act quickly.
Practical exit lines
Short, calm excuses work best: “I’m feeling really carsick, can you pull over?” or “I just realized I forgot something; can you stop here?” The goal is to leave without argument. After you are safe, file an incident report through the app so the company has the record and can investigate.
Rideshare services can make daily life much simpler, and adopting a few consistent safety practices makes them far safer to use. Verify the vehicle, share your trip, sit where you are least reachable, and keep emergency tools at hand. With these habits in place, you can keep the independence while minimizing exposure to risk.
What practices do you rely on for solo rides? Which apps do you prefer, and have you ever used in-app safety tools? Share your experience to help others ride more confidently.
