1. Wait indoors for your ride

Make sure that you wait for your driver in a safe well-lit area, preferably with someone, until your confirmed driver has arrived. It is never a good idea to have your phone in clear sight outdoors or to stand in the dark. Rather wait indoors until you are notified through the app that your driver has arrived.

1. Check Your Ride

Check that the licence plate, vehicle colour, driver photo and name all match what’s listed in the app before starting your trip.

Rides can only be requested through the Uber app. Avoid sharing personal information with your driver via the app and never agree to take rides off the app as you will not have access to the safety features. The Uber app also has a phone anonymisation feature so that when a rider and driver contact each other regarding a trip, both phone numbers are anonymised - meaning you are unable to see each other’s personal contact details.

1. Share your trip

Wherever you are, you can feel more secure by keeping loved ones up to speed. Share your driver's first name and vehicle information, plus your map location in real-time with up to 5 people from your contact list.

1. Be a backseat rider

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 gives you and your driver some personal space.

1. Understand your safety features

Always take the time to review the safety features in the app.  We have recently launched the Safety Check-Up feature that encourages riders to utilise and turn on the safety features available in-app, including Trusted Contacts, Verify My Ride and RideCheck. 

If there is ever an emergency, Uber's in-app emergency button is available in the safety toolkit (blue shield). Located just a tap away, this feature links to the local emergency services.

1. For the high-flyers and planners

With the busiest travel season upon us, Uber has a burst of offerings to accommodate many of those increasing travel needs. 

Riders can opt for Uber Comfort, a product designed to give riders more trip customisation options and an enhanced on-trip experience, while allowing drivers an additional income generating opportunity.

1. In-app Help

This tool is designed to help you get a prompt response to your queries in the shortest time possible. Navigate to the “Help’’ section on the app, which helps riders and driver-partners alike to communicate any concerns they may have during a trip so that they can get a response as soon as possible. To speak with an agent, go to Help in your Uber Driver app, then tap Call Support.

“Once again, we urge riders and drivers who use the Uber app to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings this festive season and trust your instincts and judgement. If you feel something isn’t right, use the safety features available to you in the App. Let us assist each other to enjoy this period as safely as possible,” Collen Mphabantshi, Head of Platform Safety for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa.

Disclaimer:

All information provided herein was, to the best of Uber’s knowledge, correct and complete as at the time of sharing. The information provided may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. Uber will not be held liable for any incomplete or incorrect information. Uber reserves the right to amend, in whole or in part, at any time and without notice, any information provided herein.