Uber vs. Lyft: Is Either One Actually Safe?

Uber. Lyft. You’ve probably heard the names in the news recently. Uber and Lyft are the relatively new forms of taxi services, often thought of as simple and quick ways to get where you need to go, but the new incidents appearing in the news are making users question the safety of the services. Users of these taxi services are now trying to figure out which  is safer for their families and themselves.

Uber is the lower rated of the two apps in the Apple Store, with a rating number of 863,000 and 4.7 star-rating. Lyft, on the other hand, has a 4.9 star-rating and 4.39 million reviews. Although, Uber is #1 in the travel category, they have also been receiving negative press associated with their name, mainly due to the recent incidents that have happened concerning Uber drivers or passengers mistaking regular cars for their Ubers. There have been sexual harassment claims and even a murder incident related to the company. Uber, as well as Lyft, have now published their safety suggestions to users. The services have a safety guide on their website in case their riders feel that they may need some information on how to safely ride in the vehicle. Uber has a very straight forward list.

1. Request your ride inside

2. Check your yide

3. Have the driver confirm your name

4. Be a back-seat rider

5. Always wear your seat belt

6. Share your trip details with loved ones

7. Protect your personal information

8. Follow your intuition

 9. Be kind and respectful

 10. Give feedback about your trip

Lyft, on the other hand, is a bigger company and provides users with a “Safety 101” video on their website and You Tube channel. The video is called “Safety In Every Ride,” where they discuss some of their safety features in their services. They have background checks on all their drivers and their vehicles must pass the Lyft 19-point inspection. They have a two-way rating system and if one person matches with less than 3-stars they will never pair again, and a 24-hour emergency service phone line. They also tips for the driver, this way both parties feel safe. The driver tips are as listed.

1. Cash tips OK

2. Only drive using your driver profile

3. Drive only your approved car(s)

4. Don’t bring your  friends or family along when you drive

5. Try using a phone mount to help you navigate the city

6. Display your Lyft emblem

7. Obey all traffic laws

Lyft has more safety services available in their app, and ones that are a more directly helpful. Their emergency call line is a big part of that. The fact that the app has a service that could actually prevent something truly dangerous is actually happening provides peace of mind for riders. It makes people feel safer. The background checks are also a big help, they make sure that their drivers don’t have any criminal record that can put someone in danger. Background checks can help to prevent incidents like murder, sexual harassment, or general harassment. It can’t completely save people from these incidents, but it is an extra layer of protection.

In reality, neither of these two services are completely safe. But nothing is. There’s always a risk that something could go wrong. People can always be in danger. Just make sure that you know what to do in these  situations. There are multiple apps that can help with staying safe while taking these services. Still, that doesn’t mean you should completely trust your drivers and drivers should completely trust their passengers. Make sure you and your family stay safe.