The staff at Pediatric Hair Solutions is mourning the loss of a USC student who is a friend of one of our own team members. Samantha Josephson mistakenly got into a car that she thought was an Uber and was later found dead. A man she mistook for her Uber driver has been charged with her murder.
The University of South Carolina started a campaign called “What’s My Name?” in an effort to keep riders safe when using ride share apps. We are sharing ride sharing tips from experts to make sure a tragedy like this one never happens again.
Wait for Your Ride Indoors
Avoid spending unnecessary time outside alone with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait indoors until the app shows your driver has arrived.
Confirm Details When Car Arrives
Before you get in the car, check that license plate, driver photo, and driver name all match what’s listed in the app. Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never get in a car with a driver who claims to be with Uber and offers a ride.
Make Sure Driver Says Your Name Before Getting in Car
Ask the driver the name of the passenger (you) he or she is picking up before you enter the car.
Be a Backseat Driver
If you’re riding alone, sit in the backseat. This ensures you can safely exit on either side of the vehicle to avoid moving traffic, and it gives you and your driver some personal space.
Share your trip details with a friend.
While en route, tap “Share status” in the app to share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member. They can track your trip and see your ETA without downloading the Uber app.
Follow your intuition
Trust your instincts and use your best judgement when riding with Uber. And if you ever feel you’re in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.
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