How to Use Memphis Ride-Sharing Safely

Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, and local Memphis-based transportation options have transformed urban mobility, offering convenience, affordability, and flexibility to residents and visitors alike. However, with increased usage comes the need for heightened awareness and proactive safety measures. Whether you’re a first-time rider in Memphis or a seasoned commuter navigating the city’s busy streets, understanding how to use ride-sharing safely is not optional—it’s essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to minimizing risk, maximizing security, and ensuring every ride in Memphis is as safe as it is convenient.

The importance of safe ride-sharing practices cannot be overstated. Memphis, like many growing metropolitan areas, experiences high volumes of ride requests daily—especially during peak hours, late nights, and major events. While the vast majority of drivers and riders have positive experiences, isolated incidents can occur. By adopting informed habits and leveraging available tools, you significantly reduce your exposure to potential risks and empower yourself to respond confidently if something feels off.

This guide goes beyond basic tips. It’s built on real-world scenarios, verified safety protocols, and insights from local law enforcement and transportation safety experts. You’ll learn how to verify your driver, recognize red flags, use technology to your advantage, and handle unexpected situations—all tailored to the unique environment of Memphis. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a clear, actionable framework to follow every time you request a ride in the city.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download and Verify the Official App

Before requesting your first ride, ensure you’ve downloaded the official app from your device’s trusted app store—either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Avoid third-party websites or unofficial links, as they may distribute malware or fake apps designed to steal personal data. Once installed, create an account using a strong, unique password. Enable two-factor authentication if the app offers it; this adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Verify your phone number and payment method within the app. Use a credit or debit card instead of cash when possible, as digital transactions create a verifiable record. Avoid linking your primary bank account directly—consider using a prepaid card or a secondary account with limited funds to reduce financial exposure in case of fraud.

2. Plan Your Ride Before You Need It

Don’t wait until you’re stranded or in an unfamiliar neighborhood to open the app. If you know you’ll be out late—perhaps after a concert at the Orpheum Theatre or a night out on Beale Street—plan your return ride in advance. Many apps allow you to schedule rides up to 30 days ahead. Scheduling ahead ensures you’re not pressured to accept a ride from an unverified driver during late hours when safety risks increase.

Also, familiarize yourself with the app’s map feature. Before stepping out, check the estimated arrival time and route your driver will take. This helps you anticipate traffic patterns and avoid areas known for higher crime rates, especially after dark. Memphis neighborhoods like South Memphis, North Memphis, and parts of East Memphis have higher incident rates during certain hours; planning your route accordingly can make a meaningful difference.

3. Confirm Driver and Vehicle Details Before Entering

Never get into a vehicle without verifying the details displayed in the app. Cross-check the driver’s name, photo, license plate number, and vehicle make, model, and color. Even small discrepancies—such as a mismatched license plate or a different car color—should raise immediate red flags. If anything doesn’t match, cancel the ride and contact the app’s support through the in-app channel. Do not engage with the driver directly unless absolutely necessary.

In Memphis, many drivers operate older vehicles due to lower upfront costs. While this is normal, ensure the vehicle is clean, well-maintained, and matches the description. Be wary of vehicles with tinted windows, no front license plate, or excessive clutter—these can be indicators of unregistered or unlicensed operators. If you feel uneasy, wait for the next ride. Your safety is not negotiable.

4. Share Your Ride Details with a Trusted Contact

Before getting in the car, use the app’s built-in “Share My Trip” feature. This allows you to send real-time location updates and ride details—including driver name, license plate, and estimated time of arrival—to a friend or family member. Choose someone you trust to check in with you after your ride ends. In Memphis, where nightlife and events can lead to extended outings, this step is especially critical.

If the app doesn’t offer this feature, manually send a text message with your driver’s details and your destination. Set a reminder to check in with your contact once you’ve arrived. If you don’t respond by a set time, your contact should call you and, if necessary, notify local authorities. This simple step has saved countless lives across urban centers.

5. Sit in the Back Seat and Stay Alert

Always sit in the back seat, especially if you’re riding alone. This position gives you more space, better visibility, and a quicker exit route if needed. Avoid sitting directly behind the driver if you feel uncomfortable—opt for the rear passenger side instead. Keep your phone charged and unlocked, and avoid wearing headphones or being distracted by your device during the ride.

Pay attention to the route. Memphis has many one-way streets and construction zones, particularly around downtown, the Mississippi River corridor, and near FedExForum. If the driver takes an unexpected detour, doesn’t follow the app’s suggested route, or seems disoriented, politely ask why. If the explanation doesn’t make sense or you feel threatened, ask to be dropped off at the nearest safe, well-lit public location—such as a gas station, convenience store, or police station.

6. Trust Your Instincts and Cancel if Needed

Your intuition is one of your most powerful safety tools. If something feels off—whether it’s the driver’s behavior, the smell of alcohol, aggressive driving, or an overly personal line of questioning—trust that feeling. You have the right to cancel any ride at any time, for any reason, without penalty. Don’t worry about being rude or inconveniencing the driver. Your safety matters more than politeness.

Canceling a ride doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re being responsible. Many riders hesitate to cancel out of fear of being judged, but the reality is that ride-sharing platforms encourage safe behavior. After canceling, request another ride immediately. Use the “Safety” tab in the app to report your experience; this helps the platform monitor and improve driver conduct.

7. Verify Your Destination Before Exiting

Before ending your ride, double-check that you’ve arrived at the correct location. Memphis has areas with similar street names or addresses—especially in suburban neighborhoods. Confirm the building number, cross streets, and landmarks. If you’re being dropped off at a residence, wait until the driver has pulled completely over and turned off the engine before opening the door.

When exiting, keep your belongings close. Never leave items like phones, wallets, or bags unattended. If you realize you’ve left something behind, contact the driver through the app—not by calling them directly. Most platforms allow you to report lost items and coordinate retrieval without sharing personal phone numbers.

8. Review Your Ride After Completion

After your ride ends, take two minutes to rate your driver and leave a brief comment. Even a simple note like “Driver was courteous and followed the route accurately” helps build a transparent system. Conversely, if you experienced any concerning behavior—whether it was speeding, inappropriate comments, or a refusal to use the air conditioning—report it immediately through the app’s feedback system.

These reports are reviewed by the platform’s safety team and can lead to driver suspension or additional training. Your feedback isn’t just a formality—it’s a vital part of maintaining accountability across the entire ride-sharing ecosystem in Memphis.

Best Practices

1. Avoid Rides During Peak Risk Hours

While ride-sharing is available 24/7, certain times carry higher risk. In Memphis, the hours between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. see a spike in incidents, particularly near entertainment districts. If possible, avoid scheduling rides during these hours. If you must, ensure you’ve shared your trip details, are seated in the back, and have a trusted contact waiting for you to arrive.

Weekend nights, especially Friday and Saturday, also see increased demand and driver turnover. More drivers mean more unvetted operators. Use the app’s “Safety Check” feature (if available) or wait a few extra minutes for a higher-rated driver with 50+ completed rides.

2. Dress Appropriately and Minimize Valuables

While not a guarantee of safety, how you present yourself can influence how you’re perceived. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, visible designer bags, or flashy clothing that may attract unwanted attention. Keep wallets, phones, and cameras out of sight. If you’re attending a special event, consider leaving valuables at home or in a secure locker.

Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear—especially if you’re heading to a venue with a long walk or uneven sidewalks. In Memphis, summer heat and sudden rainstorms can make walking hazardous; being prepared helps you avoid delays and risky situations.

3. Use Well-Lit, Public Pickup Locations

Always request pickup at a visible, well-lit public spot. Avoid secluded alleyways, dimly lit parking lots, or private driveways. In Memphis, popular safe pickup zones include the entrances of major hotels (like the Peabody Memphis), chain restaurants (Waffle House, McDonald’s), gas stations (Shell, Exxon), and public transit hubs.

If you’re at a private residence, ask your host to meet you at the curb. Never wait alone in your driveway or on a quiet street. If you’re arriving at a venue like the Memphis Grizzlies arena or the Memphis Zoo, wait inside the main entrance until your driver arrives. Public spaces reduce isolation and increase visibility.

4. Keep Your Phone Charged and Accessible

A dead phone during a ride is a dangerous situation. Always carry a portable charger, and keep your phone set to “Do Not Disturb” mode with emergency contacts easily accessible. Enable location services and ensure your phone’s emergency SOS feature is activated (iOS Emergency SOS and Android’s Emergency Assistant).

Memphis has areas with weak cellular signals, especially near the riverfront and under highway overpasses. If you notice your signal dropping, notify your ride-sharing app’s safety team immediately. Some apps offer offline safety features—like the ability to trigger alerts without internet—that you should enable in advance.

5. Learn Memphis-Specific Safety Tips

Every city has its own nuances. In Memphis, be aware of the following:

• Beale Street closes to vehicles after midnight on weekends—riders may need to walk a block to pickup points.
• Memphis International Airport has designated ride-share zones; never follow a driver who asks you to meet outside the official area.
• During events like the Memphis in May festival or the National Championship of BBQ, traffic congestion is extreme. Plan extra time and use the app’s ETA updates to avoid waiting alone in crowded areas.
• Some neighborhoods have higher rates of unlicensed drivers posing as ride-share operators. Always verify through the app—never accept a ride offered by someone on the street.

6. Educate Yourself on Local Laws and Rights

As a rider in Tennessee, you have rights under state consumer protection laws. Ride-share companies must provide insurance coverage during active trips. If you’re injured or experience misconduct, document everything: take screenshots, note the time, location, and driver details, and preserve communication records. You may be eligible for compensation or support through the platform’s rider protection policy.

Memphis police also encourage riders to report suspicious activity—even if no crime has occurred yet. A report of an unlicensed driver or an erratic route can trigger an investigation that protects others. Don’t assume someone else will report it. Your voice matters.

7. Avoid Alcohol-Related Risks

Drinking and ride-sharing don’t mix well. If you’ve been consuming alcohol, you’re more vulnerable to manipulation, less able to assess risks, and more likely to overlook warning signs. If you plan to drink, designate a sober rider or use a trusted friend to help you book and monitor your ride.

Some drivers may attempt to upsell services or suggest detours if they sense intoxication. Stay firm. If you feel disoriented or unsafe, cancel and wait. Many Memphis bars and clubs offer free or discounted ride vouchers during late hours—take advantage of these partnerships.

Tools and Resources

1. Ride-Sharing App Safety Features

Both Uber and Lyft include robust safety tools designed specifically for riders:

• Emergency Button: Instantly connects you to local authorities with your location and ride details.
• Real-Time Ride Tracking: Allows friends to follow your journey on a map.
• Driver Rating System: Only accept rides from drivers with 4.8+ ratings and 50+ completed trips.
• Mask and Seatbelt Detection: Some versions alert drivers if riders aren’t buckled in.
• Audio and Video Recording (Opt-In): Enables you to record your ride for evidence if needed.

Explore these features in the app’s “Safety” section before your next ride. Activate every option you’re comfortable with.

2. Memphis Safety Apps and Platforms

Several local tools complement ride-sharing safety:

• Memphis Police Department’s Mobile App: Offers real-time crime alerts, safe route maps, and emergency contact options.
• SafeWalk Memphis: A free community initiative that pairs riders with volunteer safety escorts during late-night events.
• Find My Friends (iOS) / Google Maps Location Sharing (Android): Use these to share your live location with trusted contacts during rides.
• Ring Neighbors App: Join neighborhood groups to share ride experiences and warn others about suspicious drivers or pickup zones.

3. Public Transportation as a Safety Backup

Memphis has an extensive public transit system operated by MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority). While not always as convenient as ride-sharing, buses and trolleys run on fixed routes and are monitored by security cameras. If you feel unsafe, consider using MATA’s Night Owl service (available Friday and Saturday nights) to reach a safer pickup point.

Many ride-share drivers also use MATA stations as drop-off points. You can combine both services: take a ride to a major transit hub, then transfer to a bus for the final leg of your journey.

4. Online Safety Courses and Workshops

Local organizations like the Memphis Urban League and the University of Memphis offer free workshops on personal safety, digital privacy, and ride-sharing best practices. These sessions are open to the public and often include live demonstrations of safety features and Q&A with law enforcement.

Additionally, websites like RideSafe.org and the National Safety Council provide downloadable guides tailored to urban riders. Bookmark these resources and review them quarterly.

5. Community Reporting Groups

Facebook groups like “Memphis Ride Share Safety Watch” and “Memphis Uber/Lyft Riders Network” are active platforms where users share real-time updates about drivers, pickup zones, and suspicious behavior. These groups are moderated and often include verified riders, drivers, and local advocates.

Participating in these communities helps you stay informed and contributes to collective safety. Never share personal information—only ride details, driver names, and license plates (with permission).

Real Examples

Example 1: The Late-Night Return from Beale Street

A 24-year-old visitor from Chicago, Sarah, had a great night out on Beale Street and wanted to return to her hotel near the Peabody. She opened the app at 1:15 a.m., requested a ride, and immediately shared her trip with her roommate back home. The driver arrived in a dark blue 2019 Honda Accord with a matching license plate and name as listed in the app. Sarah sat in the back, kept her phone in hand, and noticed the driver took a slightly longer route than the app suggested.

She politely asked, “Is this the fastest way?” The driver responded calmly, “There’s construction on the main road—I’m avoiding delays.” Sarah checked the app’s map and confirmed the detour was accurate. She relaxed, but stayed alert. When she arrived, she double-checked the hotel name and paid through the app. She left a 5-star review and reported the route deviation as a “neutral” comment for future riders.

Later, her roommate received a notification that Sarah had arrived safely. Had the driver taken an unexpected turn or acted aggressively, Sarah had already alerted her contact and could have triggered the emergency button.

Example 2: The Suspicious Pickup at a Gas Station

James, a 31-year-old Memphis resident, was leaving a late shift at a downtown clinic. He requested a ride at 2:30 a.m. from a well-lit Shell station near Union Avenue. The app showed a driver arriving in 5 minutes. When the car pulled up, it was a white SUV—different from the listed black sedan. The license plate didn’t match either. James didn’t approach the vehicle.

He canceled the ride immediately and used the app’s “Report a Safety Concern” feature, uploading a photo of the vehicle and the driver’s face. Within 10 minutes, he received a notification that the driver had been suspended for impersonation. A new ride arrived within minutes from a verified driver with a 4.9 rating. James later learned that three other riders had reported the same vehicle in the past 48 hours.

His quick action helped prevent a potential abduction or assault.

Example 3: The Forgotten Item and the Helpful Driver

During the Memphis International Blues Festival, a tourist named Linda accidentally left her purse on the back seat after a ride from the Convention Center to her Airbnb. She realized her mistake 15 minutes later. Instead of panicking, she opened the app, clicked “Lost Item,” and entered the ride details. The driver, who had a 5-star rating and over 1,200 trips, responded within 20 minutes.

He drove back to the Airbnb, met Linda at the curb, and returned her purse without hesitation. Linda left a heartfelt review and even sent a small gift through the app’s tipping feature. The driver later received a “Rider Appreciation Badge” from the platform.

This example highlights how responsible riders and professional drivers create a culture of mutual trust.

Example 4: The Emergency Alert That Saved a Life

In early 2023, a Memphis college student, Malik, was returning from a campus event when his driver began making inappropriate comments and veered off the main route. Malik, who had enabled the app’s audio recording feature, quietly activated the emergency button. The app automatically called 911 and sent his live location to local police.

Within minutes, a patrol car intercepted the vehicle. The driver was detained for investigation. Malik was safely escorted to a nearby police station. He later learned the driver had a prior record for harassment in another state. Malik’s use of the safety feature not only protected him but potentially prevented future victims.

FAQs

Can I request a female driver in Memphis?

Yes. Both Uber and Lyft allow you to request a female driver through their app settings. While availability varies by time and location, this option is especially helpful for solo female riders, parents with young children, or anyone who feels more comfortable with a female driver. It’s a feature worth enabling if it aligns with your needs.

What should I do if my driver is under the influence?

If you suspect your driver is intoxicated—smell of alcohol, slurred speech, erratic driving—do not confront them. Use the app’s emergency button to contact authorities. You can also cancel the ride and report the incident. The platform will investigate and permanently deactivate the driver if confirmed.

Is it safe to ride alone in Memphis at night?

Yes, with precautions. Many Memphians use ride-sharing safely at night by following the steps in this guide: sharing their trip, verifying driver details, sitting in the back, and avoiding isolated pickup zones. Always trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, cancel and try again.

Can I pay with cash in Memphis ride-sharing services?

While some drivers may accept cash, it’s strongly discouraged. Cash payments eliminate the digital trail that protects you in case of disputes or incidents. Always use the app’s payment system. If a driver insists on cash, cancel the ride and report them.

How do I report a bad experience?

After your ride ends, open the app, go to your trip history, select the ride, and tap “Report a Problem.” You can choose categories like “Unsafe Driving,” “Inappropriate Behavior,” or “Incorrect Vehicle.” Attach photos or recordings if available. Your report is confidential and reviewed by the platform’s safety team.

Do ride-share drivers in Memphis undergo background checks?

Yes. All drivers must pass state and federal background checks, including criminal history, driving record, and identity verification. However, no system is perfect. That’s why rider vigilance—verifying details, trusting instincts, and reporting concerns—is just as important as the platform’s screening process.

What if the driver asks for my personal information?

Never share your home address, phone number, workplace, or social media with a driver—even if they seem friendly. Legitimate drivers do not need this information. Politely decline and report the request through the app. This behavior violates platform policies and may indicate malicious intent.

Are there any Memphis-specific ride-sharing discounts for safety?

Some local organizations partner with ride-share companies to offer discounted or free rides during late-night hours, especially during festivals or holidays. Check the Memphis Tourism Board website or the City of Memphis app for current promotions. These programs are designed to reduce drunk driving and promote safe transit.

Conclusion

Using ride-sharing safely in Memphis isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. By understanding the tools at your disposal, adopting proactive habits, and staying informed about local conditions, you transform a simple ride into a secure, confident experience. The steps outlined in this guide—from verifying driver details to sharing your trip with a trusted contact—are not suggestions; they are non-negotiable practices for anyone who values their personal safety.

Memphis is a vibrant, welcoming city with a rich culture and bustling nightlife. Ride-sharing has made it easier than ever to enjoy everything it offers. But convenience should never come at the cost of security. Every rider has the right to feel safe, respected, and in control during their journey.

Remember: your awareness is your best defense. Your voice matters. Your actions protect not only yourself but others who will follow in your footsteps. Share this guide with friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who adopt these practices, the safer Memphis becomes for everyone.

Next time you open your ride-sharing app, pause for a moment. Check the details. Confirm the route. Trust your gut. Then, step forward—knowing you’ve done everything possible to make your ride not just convenient, but truly safe.