Jacksonville residents take precautions using ride-sharing apps like Lyft, Uber

Local students are taking extra precautions when using ride-sharing apps following the death of a University of South Carolina senior who police say mistook her killer’s car for her Uber.

On Monday, UNF student Gabrielle Woods told Action News Jax, “I’m scared to because I’ve heard a lot of stories about it.”

The freshman said the stories are what stands out in her mind.

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Over the weekend, a Boston Uber driver was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a passenger.

“Even if they go through a background check, it’s not really the safest thing.”

On Friday, police say University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson was murdered when she mistakenly got into a car she thought was an Uber.

Local students said they’re vigilant about who they’re riding.

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UNF Senior Jalen Gaymon said, “I try to make sure it’s the person who is actually the Uber driver and I look at their profile picture to make sure it’s actually them.”

Most students told Action News Jax they look for stickers indicating drivers are with a ridesharing company, but many didn’t know to check the license plate number to see if it matched the app.

According to the Uber website, riding in the back seat gives you more exit options, and sharing trip details with your friends lets them know when you should arrive.

Safety experts say riders should make sure drivers know your name before you get in the vehicle.

Woods said riding alone while under the influence is a mistake.

She explained, “I would have a group; safety in numbers is always a priority for me.”