April 1, 2019 – In Breaking News – CBS News
The death of University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson is a worst nightmare for any ride-share customer.
Police say the 21-year-old student was murdered after apparently mistaking the suspected killer’s car for her Uber ride.
Surveillance footage captured her getting into the black Chevy Impala, and she was never seen alive again.
(Nathaniel Rowland, 25, is accused of kidnapping and killing Samantha Josephson after she mistook his vehicle for her Uber ride in South Carolina. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube. Posted on Apr 1, 2019.)
Josephson’s death raises fresh fears about safety for customers using ride-shares.
Her father, Seymour Josephson, even warned mourners about ride safety during a vigil for his daughter Sunday night, urging people to travel together.
Uber said in a statement that it has been working with colleges and local law enforcement across the U.S. to make the public aware of fake ride-share drivers.
“Everyone at Uber is devastated to hear about this unspeakable crime, and our hearts are with Samantha Josephson’s family and loved ones. We remain focused on raising public awareness about this incredibly important issue,” the statement said.
(Seymour Josephson, the father of Samantha Josephson, wants a focus on safety from both riders and companies like Uber and Lyft. Courtesy of News 19 WLTX and YouTube. Posted on Mar 31, 2019.)
Uber and Lyft, the two most prominent ride-share companies, have safety tips and protocols available online.
Lyft has a 24/7 support line for emergencies, and Uber does as well in more than a dozen major cities.
Both companies also urge riders to double check all information about its drivers.
The apps give the driver’s name, photo, vehicle and license plate when a ride is ordered, so customers can make sure they’re getting in with the right person.
(How can riders stay safe when using Uber? After aspiring lawyer Samantha Josephson was killed by a man police say she mistook for her Uber driver, passengers are reminded about the risks of taking rides from virtual strangers. Security expert Steve Kardian has advice for people using the ride-sharing app. “The Uber app will send passengers’ important information before the ride begins,” Kardian explains. Riders should confirm the car they get into matches the license plate given in the app. Courtesy of Inside Edition and YouTube. Posted on Apr 1, 2019.)
Uber also has this list of 10 safety tips on its website:
-
Plan ahead. Before you request a ride, think about where you’re headed and review the safety features in the app so you know how to use them.
Continue reading… After Samantha Josephson murder, safety tips for Uber and Lyft riders
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
