How to Stay Safe While Using Uber in Mississauga

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Published November 27, 2018 at 9:46 pm

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Last week, we reported on a series of incidents in which women were sexually assaulted by Uber drivers whom they got a ride from…or rather whom they thought they were supposed to get a ride from.

In these instances, the Uber driver was not assigned to the women when he stopped to pick them up. Some were driven past their destination and sexually assaulted, while others fought of their attackers and fled.

While these incidents are troubling, Peel Regional Police have said these situations could potentially be avoided if users take certain steps in order to protect themselves if they’re getting a ride through Uber or another rider sharing app.

“Rideshare has quickly become the go-to form of transportation. With no exchange of money, you can simply jump in and away you go. This is where we need to slow things down; getting into the first car that stops when you’re waiting outside could spell disaster, putting yourself into an unsafe situation,” the police say.


Here are some tips the police offer in order to keep yourself safe:

Before entering the vehicle:

  • Share your travel details with a friend or family member.

  • Know and confirm your driver’s name and car details by checking the licence plate number and car type.

  • Ask the driver who the vehicle is for and where it is going. DO NOT begin with “is this vehicle for…?”

Once you’re inside the vehicle:

  • Select to sit in the backseat, specifically right behind the driver so it makes it harder for them to point a weapon at you.

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and track your route.

  • Keep your personal information private.

Lastly, if you have not ordered a Rideshare, DO NOT accept rides from drivers claiming to be a part of the program.

While these tips are good reminders of what you can do to keep yourself safe, do not hesitate to call 911 should you feel threatened.

For more ride sharing safety tips, watch this video:

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