Most rides are uneventful, but a few safety steps can make a big difference. Both Uber and Lyft have tools that let someone you trust follow your trip, verify your driver, and get help fast. Turn them on before your next ride, not during an emergency.
| Item | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Uber | trip sharing, PIN, emergency button, RideCheck |
| Lyft | location sharing, PIN in select markets, check-in |
| Both | trusted contact, phone privacy |
| Before you ride | check plate and photo |
Uber safety features
According to Uber’s official safety page, the Uber app includes:
- Emergency button: calls 911 and shares your live location and vehicle details.
- Share My Trip: sends your trip status to trusted contacts in real time.
- Verify Your Ride: an optional 4-digit PIN you give your driver, who must enter it before the trip starts.
- Phone number privacy: keeps your number private when you call or text a driver in the app.
- RideCheck: uses GPS and sensors to detect unusual route changes or possible crashes, then checks in with you.
Lyft safety features
Lyft’s safety page lists tools that include:
- Location sharing: trusted contacts can follow your ride in real time.
- Ride recording: record audio and video in the app, kept private unless you share it with Lyft’s Safety team.
- Scheduled check-in: Lyft contacts you after the ride to confirm you arrived safely.
- PIN verification: a PIN your driver must confirm to start the ride, in select markets.
- Block a driver: you won’t be matched with that driver again.
Set it up in five minutes
- Add at least one trusted contact in the app’s safety settings.
- Turn on trip sharing before you get in the car.
- Check the license plate and driver photo against the app before you get in.
- Save the emergency number, 911, in your contacts so you can call from anywhere.
If something feels wrong
Use the emergency button in the app or call 911 if you’re in danger. Afterward, report the incident to the app’s safety team. Both companies have 24/7 support for urgent issues.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to share my trip to use these features?
No. These features are optional, but they’re easy to turn on and they help the people you trust know where you are.
Are all features available everywhere?
No. Some features, such as PIN verification and some emergency options, vary by city or country. Most features are available in the U.S. and major cities.
My take
Turn on trip sharing and set one trusted contact before your next ride. Check the car before you get in, and keep the emergency button in mind. Read Uber’s official safety page and Lyft’s official safety page for the full list.
Sources
These official pages were used for this guide: www.uber.com, www.lyft.com.
