Safety & Evidence Tips Rideshare Sexual Abuse: Guidance for New York Survivors

Getting into a rideshare in New York is part of daily life for many people—whether it’s a late ride home from work, a quick trip to meet friends, or a safe way back after a night out. Most of the time, it’s just another ride. But for some, that ride has taken a devastating turn, with reports of sexual abuse by drivers.

It’s not easy to think about, but it’s important to talk about. If you’ve been through something like this, the road forward can feel confusing. There are steps you can take right away to protect your safety, your health, and your rights.

Rideshare sexual abuse and assault

Uber and Lyft

We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

Understanding the Risks

According to Uber’s U.S. Safety Report, tens of thousands of safety incidents were reported between 2019 and 2020, including sexual misconduct. While most rides are completed without problems, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, especially in densely populated areas like New York City, where rideshare use is high.

Some situations that may increase vulnerability include:

  • Late-night rides after social events
  • Traveling alone
  • Skipping driver verification before entering the vehicle

Awareness doesn’t guarantee safety, but it can help you make quicker decisions when something feels off.

Safety Tips Before and During the Ride

The Midland College safety guide and New York public safety resources recommend these steps:

Before entering the car:

  • Verify that the license plate, make, and model match the app.
  • Ask the driver who they are picking up before confirming your name.
  • Wait in a well-lit, public location.
  • Share your trip details with someone you trust.

During the ride:

  • Sit in the back seat for personal space and easier exit.
  • Stay alert—watch the route on your phone.
  • Trust your instincts and end the ride if you feel unsafe.

Steps to Take Immediately After Sexual Abuse

In the moments after an assault, your body and mind may be in shock. Everything can feel unreal. If you can, focus on just one step at a time:

  • Find a safe place. That could mean getting out of the car, walking into a well-lit business, or calling someone you trust to meet you.
  • Reach out for help. In New York, you can dial 911 or go to the nearest police precinct. If speaking is difficult, write down what happened and hand it to an officer.
  • Consider medical care. Even without visible injuries, hospitals in New York have Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) trained to provide respectful care and collect evidence.

Preserving Evidence

If you think you might report the assault—whether now or later—holding onto evidence can be important.

  • Try not to shower, change clothes, or throw anything away before a medical exam.
  • If you must change, put your clothes in a paper bag instead of plastic.
  • Save rideshare details—trip receipts, driver messages, screenshots of the route.
  • Write down everything you remember, even if it’s out of order.

Reporting to the Rideshare Company

Most rideshare apps allow you to report a safety issue directly from your trip history. If you can, make the report soon after the incident and keep a copy of what you send. This may help if you choose to pursue legal action.

New York Resources for Survivors

  • New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
  • Safe Horizon (NYC-based victim services): 1-866-689-HELP (4357)
  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673 or online.rainn.org

These organizations can connect you with confidential support, counseling, and legal guidance.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

New York has deadlines for filing both criminal and civil actions related to sexual abuse. The sooner you take action, the more options you’ll have—and the more likely it is that evidence will be preserved.

Looking Ahead: Staying Safe in Future Rides

The thought of taking another rideshare might feel overwhelming. If you do choose to ride again:

  • Choose busy, well-lit pick-up spots.
  • Travel with friends when possible.
  • Keep your phone where you can reach it quickly.
  • Cancel the ride if anything feels wrong.

Final Thoughts

No one ever expects a routine ride to turn into something traumatic. If you’ve been harmed during a rideshare trip, know this: what happened is not your fault, and you don’t have to face it by yourself. In New York, there are people, services, and legal options ready to stand beside you as you work toward safety, recovery, and justice.

If this guide helped, consider saving the one-page version to your phone and sharing it. A quick share could make a hard moment safer for someone else.

RIDESHARE SAFETY
Your Guide to Staying Safe in NYC
⚠️ Tens of thousands of safety incidents reported (2019-present)
🚗 Before Your Ride
Verify Details Check license plate, make & model match the app
Confirm Driver Ask who they're picking up before giving your name
Stay Visible Wait in well-lit, public locations
Share Trip Send details to someone you trust
📱 During Your Ride
Back Seat Maintain personal space & easier exit
Track Route Follow your trip on the app map
Stay Alert Keep your phone accessible
Trust Instincts End ride if something feels wrong
IF AN INCIDENT OCCURS
1
Get Safe
Exit to a public place or call someone
2
Call Help
Dial 911 or go to nearest precinct
3
Medical Care
Visit hospital with SAFE examiners
📋 Preserve Evidence
  • ✓ Don't shower or change before medical exam
  • ✓ Store clothes in paper bags, not plastic
  • ✓ Screenshot trip details & driver info
  • ✓ Write down everything you remember
  • ✓ Report to rideshare company immediately
📞 NYC Support Resources
NY State Hotline 1-800-942-6906
Safe Horizon NYC 1-866-689-HELP (4357)
RAINN National Network 1-800-656-4673 | online.rainn.org
Share This Safety Information

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