Stay Safe while Riding

Written By: Emma, Island County Advocate

Each year October is designated as National Crime Prevention Month. The National Crime Prevention Council assigns each week in October to a specific theme to help bring awareness to different issues. This week we have been exploring safety measures for keeping safe while using rideshares.

  According to the Pew Research Center, 51% of adults between 18-29 state that they have used a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft in the U.S. Rideshares are great options for a night out on the town and commuting. However, it is important to be mindful when choosing to ride with a stranger!

Implement some of these tips to increase your safety while traveling. If possible, try not to ride alone. Order your ride from inside and wait until your ride appears before heading outside. Always make sure to check your ride when it arrives. Make sure the car make, model, license plate, and driver name matches up to the one that is displayed on your phone. You can even ask the driver to verify your name. Alert a friend or family member of your travel plans; Many rideshare apps now allow you to share your trip details including the route in real-time. Avoid in divulging personal information while riding. If you are ever feeling uncomfortable or uneasy, do not hesitate to act on those feelings by alerting authorities or ending the ride when it safe. Always trust your gut!

If you or someone you know has been victimized, please feel to call or text our trained advocates 24/7 at 1-888-288-9221.

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Speak with a trained advocate who can provide assistance with needs resulting from victimization.  Call by clicking below! 

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Testimonials

"With the help of VSS, you are empowered and encouraged to fight back and be pro-active. Then your conscience can be more at peace because you know you have taken some action to protest crimes inflicted on your loved one. It is sometimes your only consolation."

“The one takeaway for me in working with VSS is that it is a necessary organization. I know they are funded by grants and fundraisers but it’s something we need to make sure as a community that they have the funding needed because what they do for people in need doesn’t happen anywhere else. This is the only place that this happens and VSS helps with so many things.”

David Rose

Anchor, Q13 News and Host, Washington’s Most Wanted

“VSS is there when the unthinkable happens.  When a police officer knocks on your door and gives you tragic news, VSS helps navigate the court system, which can be very confusing. VSS is compassion, caring, and commitment. Commitment to once justice is done that victims and their families can move forward with their lives.”

Jennifer Gregerson

Mayor, City of Mukilteo

“VSS has been our partner in recovery and healing and a key part in what makes Mukilteo Strong. VSS has been a trusted advocate for the victims that have suffered so much in the community.  I’m so grateful to VSS as our partner in strength.”

Jon Nehring

Mayor, City of Marysville

“VSS is there for people in their darkest hour. At a time when they need an advocate and friend, VSS steps in to fill that gap and help them begin their journey back to some sense of normalcy.” 

Myrle Carner

Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound

“This thing about closure. There is never really closure in a victim’s life but VSS helps individuals to get closer to that and that’s critical because the cops and the judicial system just move on to another case because they don’t have time. Victims live with this trauma forever so VSS is with them for as long as they need the services. VSS takes the time, more importantly, they really care."

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