RideScare: The terrifying reality of rideshare apps

Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft have only increased in popularity since their creation, dominating the transportation industry with relatively cheap fares and quick arrival times. However, many rideshare users are discovering that they are becoming more and more uncomfortable using the apps.

Women from across the U.S. are sharing their terrifying rideshare stories after writer Kelly Barnhill took to Twitter to discuss her recent experience with a Lyft driver that left her frightened and "angered." When Barnhill's Houston, Texas Lyft driver shut the Lyft app off during their ride, claiming it gave him poor route options, she knew something was wrong. For the next 45 minutes, the driver led Barnhill away from the city, repeatedly insisting he knew the best ways around Houston traffic. With no cellular service and her driver going 90 mph down abandoned and unfamiliar Houston roads, Barnhill intelligently began sharing stories about herself, her children, and her job in an attempt to humanize herself. Those stories, real or fabricated, could have been the difference between life or death for Barnhill, whose driver dropped her off at her hotel 45 minutes later than her estimated arrival time, with a charge that was over three times the amount she agreed to pay.

"The ONLY THING I wanted was to get out of that car. The ONLY THING I wanted was to prevent the situation from escalating. I was in full hostess mode. Anticipating reactions. Smoothing wrinkles. Keeping the edges neat." -Kelly Barnhill

Barnhill's original tweet discussing her experience received over 900 comments, many of them from women sharing similar rideshare experiences and offering tips for how to deal with aggressive drivers. Other comments called for an all-female rideshare app, an idea that has gained traction since University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was murdered by a man posing as her Lyft driver.

While a rideshare app with exclusively female drivers seems like the ideal way to protect riders who are fearful of harassment, an app of that nature would be wrought with its own issues. Human traffickers are known to use young, vulnerable women to attract other young women for them to capture and sell. An all-female rideshare app would easily empower such traffickers, encouraging them to manipulate the app to their advantage.

Barnhill shared her story in the hopes of making more women aware of how "vulnerable" they are any time they take a rideshare. While many women have opted to revert to professional cab companies as a way to protect themselves from harassment, rideshare apps are often the cheaper, more efficient option, and there are many ways for a rider to stay safe while in a rideshare:

Before you get in the car...

ALWAYS check to verify that the car picking you up is in fact your correct driver. Don't just look for the Uber/Lyft sticker or light; check the license plates and ask the driver who she or he is there to pick up.

Don't ride alone

It's not always possible to have someone accompany you, but even choosing the "Uber pool" option could save you from being alone with the driver. On top of that, Uber allows riders to "split fare," meaning you and a friend or acquaintance can conveniently share the cost of the ride, making you both safer during your drive.

Share your location with a friend or family member

Both Uber and Lyft offer the option to "share trip status" which will automatically forward your driver's name, photo, license plate, and location to a friend or family member.

911 is always an option

Barnhill panicked while in her rideshare because she had no cellular service and was unable to contact her husband. However, many are unaware that dialing 911 will work even if the caller does not have service. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation in your rideshare, do not hesitate to call 911.

Lyft also recently installed a panic button in their app that makes calling 911 even easier (if you have cell service).

Don't use your home address

While drivers are unable to view your address once they've dropped you off, they can certainly remember where they dropped you. For a bit of extra security and privacy, you can route the driver to a nearby establishment or cross-street rather than your actual home.

Rate your driver

Most rideshare users will rate their driver anyway, but if you have a particularly scary experience with Lyft, rating the driver with three stars or lower will prevent you from ever having that driver again. Likewise, you can also add favorite drivers to your Lyft account to increase your chances of receiving that same driver again.

For many women, being secluded in a room with a man is terrifying enough, but a car moving at speeds so fast the rider cannot escape can be even more terrifying. Society has made it acceptable for men to harass women, and women of color experience even worse treatment. Being wary or fearful of rideshares is completely normal and valid. While using a professional cab company may be less cost-effective or efficient, the expense and extra time spent are well worth it if it brings you peace of mind. If you continue to use rideshare apps, remember to be mindful and alert when you're alone, and don't hesitate to call 911 or use the app's emergency features if something makes you uncomfortable.