Late-night rideshare experiences have raised questions about passenger safety in uncomfortable situations. A recent TikTok video detailed how a woman riding in an Uber around 3 a.m. encountered discomfort. The driver asked to stop at a parking garage to charge his electric vehicle, leading the passenger to feel uneasy.

The woman reported the vehicle was at 43% charge, and she was 25 minutes from home. Her concern grew when the driver missed an exit, prompting her to question their destination. “I don’t want to get into a random parking lot with you,” she told the driver.

According to the video, the woman ended the ride and contacted police. Uber responded by investigating the situation and stated that each passenger deserves to feel safe and comfortable. An emergency button, GPS tracking, and trip-sharing features are available in the Uber app for safety.

Rideshare safety advocate Dillon Abend shared that unexpected route changes can raise concerns. He emphasized the importance of staying connected and seeking help if necessary. Sharing your location with trusted contacts can provide an additional safety layer.

Before entering a vehicle, confirm the driver’s information and vehicle details match the app display. Seymour Josephson, co-president of the “What’s My Name Foundation,” promotes the “SAMI” steps: stop, ask, match, and inform. These steps aim to ensure passengers get into the correct vehicle.

Samantha Josephson, daughter of Seymour and Marci Josephson, was killed after mistakenly entering a wrong vehicle, leading to the foundation’s efforts to enhance rideshare safety. The foundation also advocated for a four-digit PIN feature with Uber and Lyft, aimed at increasing security measures.