SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A University of South Carolina student was killed over the weekend after police say she was getting into a car she mistakenly thought was an Uber.
During a vigil Sunday night for Samantha Josephson, her father pleaded for people to stay safe when using ridesharing services and to travel together.
Uber driver, Dax Castro, has been driving for three years. He's had more than 6,000 rides.
"For us as drivers, we want you to be safe. And as a passenger you need to make sure you're safe," said Castro.
Castro has had more than 15,000 passengers in his car and has seen things of which both drivers and passengers need to be aware.
- Once you get paired with a driver on the app, take a look at their rating. There is a minimum average rating in each city for Uber. Castro recommends if you get drivers below a 4.7 on Uber to cancel immediately and request another.
- Wait inside until your rideshare driver is outside. Castro says it's easy to spot people who are waiting for their rideshare drivers because they are outside looking around with their phones.
- When the car comes, make sure you ask their name and who they are picking up. Never say your name first.
- Make sure to sit in the back seat in the passenger rear side. It allows you to see the driver pretty well if they're fumbling for something. Don't sit in the front seat.
- In the app, make sure to share your ride with someone so they know your location.
- If you're in trouble, tap the panic button on the app.
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