The Asheville Police Department has partnered with the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to raise awareness about ride-hailing safety.
The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation was founded in remembrance of Samantha Josephson, a South Carolina college student who lost her life in 2019 when she got into a car of a man posing as an Uber driver.
Over the past five years, Asheville police have seen a number of crimes related to ride-hailing services.
"We've had approximately eight reports of kidnappings, sexual assault, rape, or attempted sexual assault when it comes to someone in a ride-share," Capt. Michael Lamb said.
Asheville police are committed to spreading tips that they hope will help keep holiday celebrants safe.
Along with the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation, APD advises the following procedure when ordering and entering a Lyft or Uber:
- Order your ride from inside an establishment, and do not leave the establishment until the car arrives.
- Once the car arrives, make sure the make and model match the description on your phone.
- Check the tag number. It should be the same as the one on your screen.
- Confirm the driver's name before getting into the vehicle. The driver should also already know your name.
- Finally, sit in the back seat. That way, you'll always have two ways out.
Eleven days ago, an Asheville Uber driver was shot after being pursued by another vehicle. He was grazed by the bullet and survived his injuries.
For Asheville Police, these are reminders of the importance of being aware.
Captain Lamb says he has two main concerns: "Somebody who's posing as a ride-share driver that is not an actual ride-share driver. And, the other concern is someone that is a ride-share driver and has criminal intent."
An effective thing to do, Lamb said, is to call someone on the phone while in the car, even if you're just calling yourself and speaking to your own voicemail. It can deter the driver from attempting any unwanted behavior.
In addition to partnering with the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation, APD is working with the Downtown Asheville Association, the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, and the Brewers Alliance.
According to Captain Lamb, "We want a safe community, for sure."