Uber Safety Tips... From a Driver

Navigating my way through the gridded streets of Philadelphia as the bars close on a Friday night, I’m looking for the passenger I’m supposed to pick up. With the night in full swing, center city is buzzing with activity. Outside every bar, small groups of people attempt the near-impossible task of rendezvousing with their drunk friends. Every now and then, a person walks into the street without looking, or a wasted undergrad jovially pushes his buddy off the curb. Given the environment and time of night, I’m driving slowly. I’m following my GPS toward the location where someone named…. I check my screen again… Lauren, should be waiting. Approaching the pin, I pull off to the right side of the street, up to a young woman standing alone outside of the bar. Face buried in her phone, she doesn’t see me approach. When I come to a stop in front of her she looks up, steps forward, opens the door, and plops into my back seat.

At this point, I know she’s getting home safe and sound. The scary thought I constantly have while picking people up is that she couldn’t possibly know that. She’s asked no questions, did not so much as give me a glance, and I don’t think she even checked my car against the one her app told her was coming. The regularity with which people get into my car without verifying anything is distressing. I don’t feel as though I can offer any advice on how to take easy safety precautions, because saying “you really should be more careful” to a young woman who just got in the back of a car would do nothing but give her a heart attack. For the sake of their peace of mind, I take them to their destination without mentioning it and drop them off. Sadly though, these things need to be said, so I’ve taken to writing a few of my tips down. I’ve heard first-hand the horrific stories of what rideshare drivers have attempted. I’ve seen the occasional headline mentioning what drivers have done. And just tonight, Uber has released its long awaited safety report, from which I learned that 5,981 reports of sexual assault were filed in Uber related incidents in 2017 and 2018.

It turns out that 464 of those were rape, and an additional 587 were instances of attempted rape. On top of that, in those two years, cases of assault resulted in the deaths of eight riders, seven drivers, and four ‘third parties.’ While these figures seem jarring, they’re somewhat less so when framed a certain way, such as seeing that those nearly 6,000 cases were spread across 2.3 billion rides. And I can tell you from reading the report, Uber does its best to frame the hell out of it. Interesting to note, the total figure of 5,981 is not even mentioned in the 84 pages of the full report, but was tallied by adding the totals of all the subdivided categories of sexual assault. On top of that, the report is offered alongside the “executive summary” of the report, about 90% of which is explaining how many rides are completed safely and just how rare the safety incidents are. Also stressed is that the the incidents are decreasing because of safety measures already enacted by Uber. Yes, according to their statistics, the incidents have decreased from 2017-2018, and some are on track to decrease in 2019. Well done Uber, but two data points do not make a trend. Regardless, 5,981 sexual assaults is still 5,981 too many and it needs to be continually addressed by Uber. 

Before everyone demonizes Uber drivers, the most surprising tidbit of information from the report was that in 45% of the more serious sexual assault incidents, drivers were the victims. Yes, you read that right. Nearly half of all sexual assault incidents reported were reported by drivers against passengers. While I have had obscenely inappropriate and vulgar things said to me by one female passenger in my car, I can’t characterize it as harassment because a) I ignored/laughed it off, and b) as a large male, the power dynamic between me and the petite female passenger was not one where I felt vulnerable. Had the roles been reversed, comments such as those said to me would have been downright terrifying. Roughly 89% of the sexual assault incidents were perpetrated against women, so while drivers make up nearly half of the victims, I suspect that as a male driver, I don’t have too much to worry about. Side note, I have been put in an uncomfortable situation or two, from being blocked in halfway down a dark alley in Philadelphia to picking up someone late at night who messaged me saying “turn your lights off and pull slowly up the driveway.” No matter who you are, stay frosty out there, folks.

Back to the passenger Lauren: Like the vast majority of rideshare drivers would do, I took her to her destination safely and directly, where she went into her apartment, likely had some cold Bagel Bites or whatever drunk people eat when they get home from the bars, and PTFO. Unfortunately, I’ve heard stories from women about rides that weren’t that routine. Scary stories that make you sick to your stomach. While no victim can be held responsible for the actions of the person who assaulted them, the following tips are things that could so easily prevent a few of these assaults from happening in the future. Since I feel that it’s unprofessional to tell people they’re not making safe decisions after they get in my car, I’ve decided to put my thoughts in writing. After months of driving for Uber, this are the basic security measures we all should take. I use them myself. While they can’t prevent bad things from happening, can decrease their liklihood.

VERIFY WHO THE DRIVER IS

This might be the easiest thing to incorporate into your ridesharing routine. Uber and Lyft do a great job of notifying you what the color/make/model of the driver’s car is, as well as the driver’s photo, name, and license plate! Do the following three things BEFORE you get in the car. Key word: BEFORE.

1) Visually match the car in the app to the car in the street.

I would have thought this to be common sense, but I’ve had multiple occasions where someone was halfway into my back seat before I could tell them they are getting in the wrong car. When I pull up to Morgan’s Pier after last call on a Saturday night, people who may not be thinking clearly will try to get in the first Uber-ish looking car they see, not realizing said car is in a line of eight other Ubers. I’ve had to shoo people out of my car more than once.

2) Say: “Who are you picking up?” NOT: “Are you picking up **name**?” 

Never ask a driver, “Are you picking up Lauren?” Anyone behind a wheel can simply say yes and then whisk you off to a nightmare. Force the driver to say who he/she is picking up before getting in any rideshare vehicle. It’s not rude, it’s not impolite, it’s expected. The two phrases “Who are you picking up?” and “Are you picking up Lauren?” are equivalent in many ways, safety not being one of them. Practice saying it with me now: “Who are you picking up?” Great job, very good. You’re now a little safer.

 3) Check the license plate

While asking “who are you picking up” is probably good enough, if you want to be sure, or you’re still suspicious, check the plates. If you’re as OCD about security as I am, this is a foolproof way to know you’re getting in the correct vehicle. Just because a Prius pulled up when you’re waiting on a Prius doesn’t mean it’s the right car. It takes an extra 2-3 seconds to step behind the car to verify that it’s the one you ordered. I’ve been an Uber Driver for months now, and am surprised at how few people do this. I check nearly every time I get in an Uber, and I’m maybe the least likely potential sexual assault victim these Uber drivers have ever seen. 

KEEP YOUR PHONE IN YOUR HAND

This past summer, I found myself sitting on a bus next to a woman who was a student at a local university. Throughout the course of conversation on the way up to Boston, I mentioned that I had just applied to drive for Uber, and she told me a harrowing story about an experience she had had with a rideshare driver. She was only taking it less than ten minutes to a friend’s party, and luckily for her, she was both quite alert and quick witted. The story goes that she noticed that the driver had diverted from the GPS suggested path and pulled into an alley. He locked the doors and turned the car off. While panic would likely flood through anyone in this situation, she quickly dialed her friend, who thankfully answered quickly. She spoke into the phone loudly enough for the driver to hear, “Hey, I’m only three minutes away, can’t wait to see you.” It was enough. The driver turned the car back on, pulled out of the alley and dropped her off at her destination. There’s a million ways anyone could handle (or more likely, NOT handle) that situation. I might have called 911 before dialing a friend, but who’s to really say what they’d do in that situation. All I know is what she did worked and it began with keeping her phone in her hand and paying attention. 

STAY ALERT AND KEEP AN EYE ON THE ROUTE

This is self explanatory. I’m as guilty as anyone of passing car rides buried in my instagram feed, but when it comes to ridesharing, it’s not a bad idea to check on your location or track the route on the move. Ridesharing apps offer the technology to verify every turn your driver makes, so why not use it? Note: there are some valid reasons why drivers deviate from the path suggested by Uber Navigation: Because we’re using Waze (and because Uber in-app navigation is terrible), because we think a different route is faster, because sometimes we know of traffic patterns or closed roads that even Waze doesn’t, or (and I’m willing to admit this), sometimes we just miss a turn. While it’s important to keep an eye on the route, a deviation isn’t always cause for concern. Between your common sense and communication with the driver, you should be able to tell the difference. If something doesn’t sit right at all, there’s no harm in making a phone call to a friend. Doesn’t hurt to tell them, “Oh I’ll be there soon, I just got of 76 and am headed past the Art Museum.” While this sounds like normal passenger phone conversation to a driver, it may offer you some peace of mind. 

SIT BEHIND THE DRIVER

This is mostly unnecessary information in this post, but it could be worth knowing. I’m not sure where I heard this, but I once heard someone say that the safest place is the passenger side rear seat “because it’s furthest from the driver.” That logic doesn’t do it for me. I’ve done three cross country road trips with my family when I was a little kid, and I learned quickly that the driver can reach the person in passenger side rear seat the easiest. If you’re sitting behind the driver, the very most he can do is reach around below him and grab your ankle. You’re in his blind spot, both visually and physically. If I were ever nervous about a rideshare driver, that’s where I’d sit. Generally speaking, it’s always a safer policy to just get in on the curb side of the car (usually the passenger side), but it’s good to know anyway. Always crossing two seats to sit behind the driver might be overkill, but it’s just a little bite sized thought to keep in the back of your head if things go sideways. 

These tips work for anyone and are a glorious combination of both easy and effective. Maybe after a year’s worth of Uber driving I’ll have something to add. Even better, I’ll end it on a positive note from the Uber Safety Report, so as to distract from the depressing nature of a society in which learning these things could be helpful:

Uber fatalities happen at half the rate of the national average, so that’s good. You are half as likely to die in an Uber as in a car with your average American. Before I scare you away from ridesharing apps, keep in mind, those statistics were spread across 2.3 BILLION rides, so while we must still keep the pressure on these companies to maintain a standard of accountability and transparency, we can also exhale a little knowing that in most cases, ridesharing can get us safely to where we want to go.

If you feel comfortable, please share some of your safety related Uber or Lyft stories in the comments, or any tips you’ve found helpful that other passengers or drivers could use to stay safe.

Safe travels!

Security vs. Sanity: The Cost of Keeping Your Belongings Safe While Traveling

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I stood on the cliffs above the sparkling Praia do Camilo, viewing the scene below me with photographer’s eyes first. I take in the dancing light from the waves and the breathtaking palette of pastel hues so rich that perhaps calling them pastels almost seems unjust. I’m struck by the landscape and the ease of the people interacting within it. I spend a while shooting, challenging myself to capture what is laid out before me, from whole scenes to the most minuscule details.

The Canon 6D is my most prized possession. On days like this, it is also the reason my feet are enveloped by socks and trusty black New Balances rather than Mediterranean currents and wet sand. My camera gives me the joy of making images, but it is also the reason that I’m wearing jeans instead of a bathing suit. It’s why I’m looking down at the surface of the water instead of experiencing the silent euphoria of swimming beneath it. As strongly as the water beckons, the fear of my camera walking off with some sticky fingered opportunist is stronger. A gift from my parents, the 6D is the most precious thing I own, and, with the lens, cost more than my car. There’s no chance I risk leaving it lest someone takes it. I spend the next couple hours taking in the sights, watching the birds, shooting, and exchanging greetings with the occasional passerby. I keep walking.

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Getting robbed in Turkey was a turning point; a shift in the way I viewed personal security and how I would protect my things. Everyone who’s traveled beyond their own neighborhood has given some thought to keeping their belongings secure. While there are endless tips to reduce the likelihood of getting robbed, tricked, or swindled, it is important to know just how secure you really want to be. While there are endless tips to reduce the likelihood of getting robbed, tricked, or swindled, it is important to know just how secure you really want to be. Surprisingly, “as secure as possible” is not necessarily the best option when you consider the idea that security has a cost. Having “constant vigilance” as Professor Moody always advised is stressful. Not a focused stress like being up against a deadline or late for a flight, but a slow burn stress that builds unnoticed for months. The real question every traveler needs to figure out is, ‘Where do I want to fall on the spectrum between the two extremes of blissful blind trust and paranoia?’

A good indicator of where you will fall on this spectrum is how generally trusting in humanity you are. Trust reduces stress and improves life, but also makes you an easier target for theft. Conversely, being distrustful is less risky, but stress inducing nonetheless. In Istanbul, weeks of meeting an endless stream of wonderfully helpful and genuine Turks built up my trust in humanity to a level that burned me. A man (and his unseen partner) who, through the guise of helping, gained my trust and robbed me. After that incident, the pendulum swung the other way. I became exceedingly cautious. I may not have been robbed after that, but I paid for my security with an increased level of vigilance that is so subtly taxing on the mind that I was not even conscious of it. It manifested itself in a million little tendencies such as:

• Constantly covering my pockets containing my phone and wallet with my hands while on trains or busses.

• Being wary of people offering to help.

• Putting valuables in my apartment out of sight before having company over.

• Constantly padlocking the zippers together on my baggage.

• The availability of personal safes next to each bunk becoming a factor in hostel selection.

• Having to find clever hiding places for valuables when hostels don’t provide safes.

• Before napping in a park, on a train, or anywhere outside of a bedroom, positioning my body and belongings so that nothing of mine could be lifted without waking me up (ie always sleeping with my backpack strap wrapped around my arm and placing the bag under my head).

• Putting my ID and credit card in separate pockets from wallet when walking through neighborhoods where I may get mugged.

• Not going into bars with friendly people I meet in touristy places.

• Reading about common scams and petty crime in places you’ll be spending time.

• Walking a little further to find an ATM off the beaten path

Hell, I have a whole list just for using ATMs now, which I’ll spare you.

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Heightened awareness and lowered trust in those around you is a good start when it comes to protecting your belongings. That said, it’s impractical and quite frankly, unenjoyable to go through life with your guard completely up. Following all of these tips will lower your chances of being robbed, but they unfortunately rob you of a lot of the carefree vibes that help make traveling so magical.

No matter how secure you want to be, on some occasions, trusting in others is essential. On one such occasion in France, I put my suitcase with nearly all of my belongings into the trunk of a car whose owner I had just met ten hours earlier. I took down every piece of contact info she had, verified the numbers, and stood on the side of the road at 3:30 AM waving as she drove off. I let her take my luggage so that I could hike a mountain the next day to check off what has long been on my life’s bucket list: watching a stage of the Tour de France! Sometimes, in order to maximize your experience, trusting in others is essential and you have to rely on your judgement of the situational context and people involved.

Sleeping on the train, leaving things in hostels during the day, or even just handing a cell phone to a stranger so they can take a photo of you in front of the a landmark are all little risks travelers take daily (some without a second thought). All are small opportunities to slide right or left on the spectrum between blind trust and paranoia. Forgo the nap?  Bring everything in your day-bag so you don’t leave anything behind in the hostel? Skip the touristy photo op and just hold onto the phone? These are all examples of tiny decisions that affect both your security and sanity while traveling.

- ProTip: if handing someone a phone/camera to take your photo, ask the most obese person you see because 1) they can’t run off with it 2) they’re probably American so there won’t be a language barrier.

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One thing every traveler should do is prioritize what is valuable. Valuable may not be the same as expensive. As a photographer, the most valuable things I had were the devices that held all of my photos, my camera, wallet, and passport. Everything beyond that I didn’t worry so much about. Figure out what items would be most painful to lose, and focus mainly on protecting them.

While cautiousness is essential for security, trust is essential for sanity. From a security standpoint, trust is stupid; it’s betting on the good in those around you. It also happens to be a key building block of interpersonal relationships and dramatically enhances the lives we lead. Every once in a while, though, trust can burn you. For anyone looking to get the most out of their travels while simultaneously keeping themselves and their belongings safe, finding a balance between cautiousness and trust is paramount.

During my time in Europe, especially since getting robbed, I guarded my valuables constantly. For seven months straight, if my Canon 6D wasn’t under lock and key, it was on my person. I carried it everywhere I went for about 14 hours a day, including Praia do Camilo on that beautiful afternoon. The following day I decided to return, this time with my camera, wallet, passport, and phone locked away in my hostel safe. I felt an unparalleled level of freedom walking the streets of Lagos this time. My shoulder, accustomed to the weight of my camera strap, felt light under a towel. I wasn’t able to take any photographs that afternoon, but the water felt incredible.

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