02 January 2023 , 11:20
443
0
Rideshare apps such as Uber have changed how many of us travel, as it's now easier than ever to book a private lift to your destination without relying on buses or trains.
But for many people, especially women, getting into a car with a stranger in control of where you go and which route you take can be unsettling - particularly if you're travelling alone.
That's why you'll often see people sharing their safety tips online to help others know what to do if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation. One woman who shared her simple hack has been praised for doing so, after people said her idea was "terrifying and clever at the same time".
The woman shared her hack on TikTok (@brennalina/TikTok)
She was praised as 'genius' (@brennalina/TikTok)The woman, named Brennalina, took to her TikTok account (@brennalina) to share the hack she uses every time she gets into an Uber after she first saw someone else use it on the social media platform.
She said: "Ever since a girl on TikTok said she leaves hair and fingerprints in all her Ubers, I leave hair and fingerprints in all my Ubers."
Widow brings pillow with late husband's face on it to pub every New Year's Eve
The clip showed Brennalina, who is from the US, drop a strand of her hair onto the floor while sitting in the back of a car, before pressing her fingers against the window, with the idea being that if anything were to happen to her while she was travelling by herself, her DNA would be in the car.
She captioned the video: "Ladies, am I right? #lovebeingawoman"
Many commenters on the video praised Brennalina for sharing the tip, as they said it was "sad" that women even need to take such extreme measures to protect themselves.
One person wrote: "Sad but genius."
While another said: "Terrifying and clever at the same time."
Others were also quick to share their own safety tips, with many stating that you should always open the door again after you get into the car to make sure that the driver hasn't put the child lock on to prevent you from leaving.
Someone said: "Get in, open the door again always. Act like it didn't close right. Make sure there's no child lock on!"
Meanwhile, another TikToker noted: "I always pretend I'm on the phone with someone as I enter. I'll usually be like 'okay I'm getting in the Uber, I'll send you my location. Love you, bye'."
A third posted: "Set your Uber name to a guy's name. It will look like your dad/boyfriend/boss ordered it for you, thus you have someone waiting for you."
There were also several comments from people urging everyone to check the number plate of the car against the one provided on the rideshare app to make sure you aren't getting into the wrong vehicle.
Man fined £165 after outraging the internet by dying puppy to look like Pikachu
"The Uber app lets you set the option of a unique pin that the uber driver has to enter before you leave so you know for sure you're in the right car", one person stressed.
Uber has been contacted for comment.