Many may be wondering, Are Ubers safe? For the most part, yes, but there are always risks when getting into someone’s car. The safest seat in an Uber is in the back directly behind the passenger’s seat. According to the Huffington Post, “It is not recommended to sit directly behind the driver. That’s always kind of weird. Late at night, a driver could be transporting someone and if you sit right behind them, they can’t see you, and you can’t see them and what they may be up to. Campbell recommended always sitting in the back seat on the passenger’s side for both your safety and the driver’s comfort.”   

Even with Uber being an overall safe way to travel, there are still numerous reports of passengers being assaulted. For example, NBC Philadelphia states that, “An Uber driver struck and killed a woman.” Also, according to NPR, “Uber received nearly 6,000 U.S. sexual assault claims in the U.S. in the past two years.” Passengers are not the only ones at risk, there are numerous reports of Uber drivers being assaulted as well. “42% of those sexually assaulted during Uber rides were drivers,” states Business-HumanRights.org. An example of such an assault was covered by NBC New York which stated, “NYC Uber driver attacked by passengers, and put in a coma for over three weeks.”

According to Fox 5 San Diego, “Uber announced increased safety measures in 2018, including a partnership with RapiSOS, a company that sends a rider’s location and relevant information to a local police agency when the rider uses the emergency button in the Uber app. Uber also revamped its background check policy to conduct annual checks on drivers.” 

All in all, when getting into any Uber always be aware of what’s going on or what could happen.  You can never go wrong by being cautious and extra prepared. Mina Savittieri states,”Whenever I go into an Uber, I always have an adult with me. I am always careful and prepared for any emergency.”