Ride Safety & Bystander Basics

• Verify the car, license plate, and driver in the app before you get in. Don't just trust that they "look like the photo."
• Sit in the back seat, preferably behind the passenger seat — it gives you more visibility and exits.
• Leave fingerprints on the windows. Sounds weird, but it can help ID a vehicle later if needed.
• Don't share personal info — lie if you have to. You don't owe anyone the truth about where you live, work, or who you're seeing.
• Say things like "my friend's tracking me" or "my roommate's expecting me." Make yourself sound known and expected.

• Keep your phone out and location sharing on (try "Share My Ride" in the app).
• Stay alert to route changes — especially if they deviate from what's in the app.
• Trust your gut. If something feels off, ask to get out in a safe, public area.

• Avoid getting gas late at night when possible.
• When parking, always try to park in the same section or side of parking lots — that way, you never have to wander or guess where your car is.
• Before you leave a building, make sure your keys are in your hand. You'll get into your car faster and can lock it behind you right away.
• If you feel uneasy or someone approaches you, hit your car alarm — it's loud, draws attention, and signals "back off."

If something feels off, it probably is. You don't need proof — your instinct is enough to act. It's always better to look "weird" for stepping in than to regret doing nothing.

Be a distraction. Interrupt the tension in a way that gives the person an exit.

Some go-to moves:

• "Hey! I think I dropped something near you — can you help me look?"
• "Aren't you the one I met at XYZ show?" (even if you've never met them)
• "Hey, your friends are looking for you."
• Accidentally "spill" your drink or bump the table.
• "Hey! Someone said your Uber's here."

It doesn't have to be smooth — awkward saves lives.

• Ask: "Hey, you good?" or "Want to walk with me to the bathroom?"
• If they look panicked or can't speak, just say, "Come on, I'll go with you."
• Don't wait for permission to help — people often freeze when scared.

If you're not sure what to do, grab a bartender, security, or another bystander.

• "Hey, can you help me check on them?" works way better than yelling "That's creepy!"
• At raves, find a medic booth, harm reduction tent, or venue staff — they'll help you intervene safely.

If things escalate, discreetly record or take note of:

• Time, location, and what's happening
• Description of people involved
• License plate or rideshare info if relevant

If it's a rideshare or parking lot situation — you can call security, the bar manager, or even 911 if someone's actively in danger.

If you're helping someone get away:

• "Hey, your friend's waiting outside."
• "Your ride's here."
• "We've got to go grab your phone from the bar."

Make it believable and confident. Confidence is disarming.

If they get away, make sure they're safe before walking off. Offer to wait with them or walk them to a well-lit area.

If you're sober, be the person who stays with them until they're solid again.

• Look for body language mismatches. If someone's saying "I'm fine" but their eyes are saying "I'm terrified," believe the eyes.
• Don't escalate. Focus on removing the person in danger, not confronting the aggressor.
• Never make it about you. The goal is safety, not a scene.
• Use allies. Bartenders, bouncers, or groups of women are usually down to help.
• Plan a "rescue phrase." If you're going out with friends, agree on a code like "Have you seen my charger?" that means "I need to leave now."
• Pre-write emergency contacts in your Notes app so someone can text for you if you freeze.