College and university students are taking extra precautions after the recent death of South Carolina University student, Samantha Josephson. Josephson was murdered, after getting into a car she thought was her Uber.
Uber sent out an email to everyone who’s downloaded its ride-share app. Uber’s email reminds users to check your ride every time - match the license plate number, the car’s make and model, and check the driver’s photo.
Marquette University also sent an email to students Friday, ahead of a busy weekend. It reiterates the steps Uber recommends, but adds that students should ask the driver, “Who are you waiting for?” before sharing their own name.
The university also suggests that students share trip details with a friend, ride in the backseat, don’t reveal personal details, and wait for your ride indoors.
“My friends and I use Uber all the time to go downtown,” Marquette University student Katheryn Wolf said. “I also use it when I need to get to and from the airport. I’m going to be more careful now. I’ve never really matched the license plate before. I usually just check to see if the car matches, but that’s about it. A lot of times cars can be very similar, so you understand how easy it can be to make a mistake.”
“It’s just honestly scary for me and my friends now,” Marquette University student Katie Wroblewski said. “My friends and I made a pact with each other that we will stay together. We’ve all talked about asking the driver who the Uber is for, instead of just getting in and saying our names.”
“I have a tendency to be very trusting, and I typically just hop in an Uber and go, without a second thought” University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student Teresa Escobar said.
“It’s crazy when you think about it,” University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student Julius Howard said. “We don’t take the same precautions with ride-share services that we do with other things. Like we just hope into a stranger’s personal vehicle. We know nothing about them. That has to change.”
