Many students consider rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft a safer way to get home after drinking alcohol. In many ways, they are right. Driving under the influence–or riding with someone who has been drinking–is extremely dangerous, even if the driver has consumed only a few drinks. However, choosing a rideshare, or getting into a vehicle that appears to be a rideshare, doesn’t automatically mean a student will arrive home safe.
The #What’sMyName Foundation was established in response to the tragic death of Samantha “Sami” Josephson. In 2019, Sami mistakenly entered a vehicle she thought was her Uber. The driver was not her rideshare driver, and Sami was kidnapped and murdered. Her death sparked a national conversation about rideshare safety and led to the passage of Sami’s Law, which aims to improve passenger safety through measures such as enhanced safety features, greater transparency around driver background checks, and incident reporting requirements.
To help prevent similar tragedies, the #WhatMyName Foundation promotes the SAMI method–four simple steps to remember when using a rideshare: Stop, Ask, Match, Inform.
Stop: Pause and Prepare
Before requesting a ride, users should take a moment to think about where they’re going and review the available safety features in the rideshare app. It’s important for users to familiarize themselves with tools to verify the ride, share the trip, and contact emergency services if necessary.
Ask: “What’s my name?”
When the vehicle arrives, users should ask the driver, “What’s my name?” The driver should be able to identify a user based on the trip information provided through the app. A rideshare user should never get into a vehicle if the driver cannot correctly identify them or if anything about the situation feels suspicious.
Match: Check the details
Before getting in the car, a user should confirm that its make, model, and license plate match the information in the app. They should also check that the driver matches their profile photo. If any details don’t match, they should not get in.
Inform: Share your trip
Users can use the rideshare app’s trip-sharing or “share status” feature to let trusted friends and family follow their journey. Friends or family can monitor trip progress and may notice if something seems wrong, such as an unexpected change in route. Typically, users can configure the app to share trip details automatically with selected contacts.
Taking a few extra precautions before and during a rideshare can make a meaningful difference. Everyone should know how to use their rideshare app’s safety features, verify the driver and vehicle before getting in, and share their trip with someone they trust. Once a user enters the vehicle, they can monitor their trip in the app and speak up or use another safety feature if something doesn’t feel right.
Rideshares have made an impact on many college campuses, and in many ways the impact has been positive. However, there are additional considerations when using rideshares, particularly when intoxicated. Students should consider traveling to and from bars, parties, and other events in pairs or groups. Looking out for friends is especially important when alcohol is involved. If a friend is heavily intoxicated, a student shouldn’t simply call them a rideshare and send them home alone. Arrange for a trusted, sober person to accompany them and make sure they arrive safely. If they are difficult to wake, have slow or irregular breathing, or show other signs of alcohol poison, a student should call emergency services immediately. Do not rely on a rideshare driver to monitor their condition or ensure their safety.
These precautions may seem overly cautious, particularly to young adults who value their independence, but taking a few minutes to verify a ride, share a location, or accompany a friend can help save a life.
Remember: Stop. Ask. Match. Inform. A rideshare should help students get home safely–and taking these steps can help students make a safer choice every time.
Learn More:
What’s My Name Foundation: https://www.whatsmyname.org/
Sami’s Law: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1082