Student Ride-Share Safety
As ride-sharing options increase, it is important for students to be wise, safe consumers and riders. While ride-hailing — using smartphone apps such as Uber and Lyft to book and pay for a private car service or a taxi — generally may be available in your community, some colleges and universities offer their own student car services or partner with companies for similar offerings. These initiatives bring additional risk management considerations.
No matter your institution’s ride-sharing or ride-hailing options, everyone benefits from educating students about how to stay safe.
Ride-Hailing Safety
While ride-hailing companies exist nationwide, many students arrive at college with little or no experience using these services, or at least using them on their own. Raise safety awareness by addressing this issue at orientation and on your website. Consider using creative formats like videos to deliver the information. Provide safety tips, including:
- Configure in-app safety features such as turning on PIN or ride verification features.
- Wait inside (when possible) while placing the request and waiting for the ride to arrive.
- Check the driver’s rating once assigned a car. Cancel the ride if you are not comfortable with it.
- Confirm that the make, model, and license plate match the information provided in the phone app. Do not get in the vehicle if the information does not match.
- Check that the driver matches the photo in the app.
- Ask the driver, “Who are you here to pick up?”
- Do not share personal information such as your cell phone or last name with the driver; use the app to message or call them.
- Share your trip details with friends or family, and ride with others when possible.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Sit in the back seat when riding alone, unless the front seat is needed for an accessibility accommodation.
Address emergencies or uncomfortable situations in your training, so students are prepared for how they can respond.
Remind students to:
- Locate emergency buttons within the ride-hailing apps so they know where to find them; these buttons generally send location information directly to emergency responders.
- Dial 911 in an emergency.
- Follow their intuition. Stop the ride and get out if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Report all crimes (actual or attempted) to police.
- Remind students how to download and use your institution’s safety app if your institution has one.
Ride-Share Recommendations
Your institution may wish to share recommendations about local or preferred ride-hailing options. When doing so, be explicit that these recommendations are not official endorsements unless specifically stated.
In addition, you may offer opportunities for students to connect for carpooling and private ride-sharing. Restrict these databases to students and require sign-up and/or login to access them. Provide safety tips for students using these carpools and explain that your institution has not vetted the drivers and disclaims any liability for rides arranged on these platforms.
School-Sponsored Rides
Some colleges and universities offer ride programs funded in whole or in part by the institution. Others create partnerships with companies to provide rides. In either arrangement:
- Have legal counsel and risk management review all contracts and include appropriate provisions regarding liability and risk transfer.
- Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
- Consult with legal counsel about waivers for users.
- Clearly define your service area, service hours, and eligibility rules.
- Account for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility in the offerings.
Waymo and Other Driverless Options
Driverless ride-sharing options are quickly expanding. They create extra challenges such as availability, operating authority, and emergency support. Driverless cars typically have the same insurance requirements as other cars, though this varies by jurisdiction. For example, California requires driverless cars to obtain $5 million in coverage.
Before recommending driverless ride-share options, work with local legal counsel to confirm:
- The service is authorized in the relevant service area.
- The provider’s insurance, indemnity, and limitation of liability terms address the institution’s exposure and meet any jurisdictionally required minimums.
- The provider offers accessible service and live emergency support.
Additionally, some jurisdictions do not allow minors to ride alone in a driverless car. Work with legal counsel to review age-related requirements in your jurisdiction.
Additional Resources
About the Author
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Christine McHugh, Esq., ARM
Associate Vice President of Risk Management
Christine is responsible for providing day-to-day management of the Risk Management department’s functional operations and works cross-functionally to advance the department’s ability to meet UE goals, objectives, and provide sound thought leadership to the educational community. Before being promoted to the role in June 2024, Christine was a Senior Risk Management Counsel. Her areas of expertise were employment law, sexual assault prevention, protection of minors, traumatic brain injury, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to joining the Risk Research team, she handled UE liability claims for several years. She previously practiced employment and higher education law.