I previously posted on the various issues with Uber Drivers that may arise in Portland. Sexual Assaults, Rape, Assaults, and Kidnappings are all legitimate concerns everyone should have when they enter an Uber car or other Ride-Share car. Below are a few tips that may or may not be of use to you if you are riding an ride-share car alone, but should get you thinking about your safety while in a ride-share Car. These tips are not tested and proven and are generally based on common sense, so take them with a grain of salt.

Things to Do before You Enter a Ride-Share Car:

Contact another person letting them know you are going to usea particular ride share service (Uber, Lyft, Etc.) and your present location.
Contact another person letting them know where you intend to go and how long you expect it will take once you are in the car.
If possible, arrange for the car to pick you up in a lighted area that is near a main road or where other people are around.
Zip your purse or backpack up and ensure all of your belongings are secure before you get in the car.
Keep your cell phone in your hand at all times.

What to do Once In the Uber Car or other Ride-Share Car:

Sit in the Back-Seat passenger side.
Sit in the Back-Seat passenger side. This is not a double post, but it is important that you remember that you should never sit in the front seat of the car. Sitting in the back passenger seat may allow you the extra time to get out if needed and is the furthest away from the driver.
Keep your cell phone on and in your hand at all times.
Buckle your seat belt.
Take note of the driver’s appearance, actions, and name. Uber should have the license plate number and driver info, but you want to take a mental note of the driver in case the unthinkable happens. Notice how the driver looks, any features such as glasses, an earring, or tattoos. Also, listen to how they speak. Does the driver have an accent? Does the driver sound impaired? All of these things may assist the police if the unthinkable happens.
If you think the driver is creepy or acting strange, don’t get in.
If you get a creepy feeling about the driver and the car is in motion, it may help to call someone just to chat with them and let them know you are in an Uber Car and your current location. Even if another person is not on the other end of the call, this may deter an assault.
Keep the window cracked near where you are sitting. This may allow a person to hear you scream in the event the driver attempts to assault you.
Keep all of your belongings with you, so you can immediately grab them and leave if needed.
If you get a creepy feeling you should exit the car in a well lit crowded area if possible.
If the driver makes any unwanted advancements or is acting scary, do not be afraid to call 911 and leave the car immediately.

When in doubt Call 911. If you have been sexually assaulted, assaulted, raped, or harassed call 911 immediately. You may be able to prevent the perpetrator from assaulting others if you act quickly. The tips above are by no means an exhaustive list. The tips are meant to get you thinking about your personal safety while riding in an Uber car or other Ride-Share car such as Lyft.

If you were sexually assaulted, assaulted, raped, or harassed while in an Uber Car call 911 and then call Jeremiah Ross and Ross Law LLCat 503.224.1658. A s a former Deputy District Attorney and a Portland Oregon Attorney that deeply cares about victim’s rights, Jeremiah will fight to ensure you receive answers, your rights are honored, your voice is heard, and you receive the compensation for the hell this has caused you.

Please remember this post is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a security expert if you have further questions relating to how to protect yourself in every situation involving a ride-share driver.