Rideshare Safety

S for Stop in the SAMI acronym

Plan ahead. Before you request a ride, think about where you're headed and review the safety features in the app so you know how to use them

A for Ask in the SAMI acronym

Ask your driver "what's my name" to confirm they have booked a trip with you through the ride sharing app.

M for Match in the SAMI acronym

Match the make, model and license plate of the car with the one displayed in the app. 

I for Inform in the SAMI acronym

Share the details of your trip with a friend.  Utilize the "share status" function in your ride sharing app.

Remember SAMI #whatsmyname

On March 29, 2019, Samantha Josephson, a 21 year-old senior at the University of South Carolina, was kidnapped and murdered when she was targeted by a person posing as a rideshare driver.  Immediately following this unfathomable tragedy,  Samantha's parents, Seymour and Marci Josephson, set out to educate others on the importance of ride share safety so that no other family would have to suffer this kind of loss.   

The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was established in honor of their daughter, Samantha Josephson. 

For more information on SAMI, click here.

Tips for using ride share services

Plan ahead: 

Before you request a ride, think about where you’re headed and review the safety features in the app so you know how to use them.

Request your ride inside: 

Avoid spending unnecessary time outside alone with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait indoors until the app shows your driver has arrived.

Get in the right car: 

Before you get in the car, check that license plate, driver photo, and driver name all match what’s listed in the app. Always ask “What’s my name?” Never get into a ride share or any other private car unless the driver can first identify you by name. Uber rides can only be requested through the app, so never get in a car with a driver who claims to be with Uber and offers a ride.

Avoid riding in the front seat: 

If you’re riding alone, sit behind the driver or in the rear passenger seat because it creates two possible exits and increases space between the driver and the passenger. Pay attention to your ride, the entire ride, and don’t share personal information.

Share your trip details with a friend: 

While en route, tap “Share status” in the app to share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member. They can track your trip and see your ETA without downloading the Uber app.

Follow your intuition:
Trust your instincts and use your best judgment when riding with Uber. If you ever feel you’re in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.