Home / Is Uber or Lyft Safer, and Where Should You Sit?
This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
Uber and Lyft are both statistically very safe, and neither one clearly beats the other on every measure, so the bigger safety difference usually comes from how you ride, not which app you open. The single most useful habit is simple: sit in the back seat. This guide answers the two questions riders ask most, which service is safer and where you should sit, and covers the practical steps that make any rideshare trip safer.
Neither is definitively safer. Both companies use driver background checks, in-app safety tools, GPS trip tracking, and commercial insurance, and both publish safety reports. Across their most recent U.S. safety data, the answer depends on the metric: Uber reported somewhat lower rates of sexual assault and traffic fatalities, while Lyft reported a lower rate of physical assault. Serious incidents are rare on both platforms relative to the billions of rides they complete.
The practical takeaway is that the choice between Uber and Lyft matters less than the safety habits you bring to the ride. A rider who checks the car, shares their trip, and sits in the back is safer on either app than a rider who does none of those things.
Where should you sit in an Uber or Lyft?
Sit in the back seat, ideally on the passenger side. When you are riding alone, the rear seat is the safest spot, and both Uber and Lyft, along with law enforcement, recommend it. There are four clear reasons:
Distance from the driver. The back seat puts space between you and a stranger and sets a clear boundary.
Two exits. From the rear seat you can leave through either back door, so you are never boxed in on one side.
A quicker way out. If a ride feels wrong, having a door on each side makes it easier to exit fast in a safe, well-lit spot.
Crash protection. In a collision, rear-seat passengers are generally better protected than front-seat passengers.
One quick check when you get in the back: make sure the rear-door child safety lock is not engaged. There is usually a small lever on the edge of the door; if it is in the locked position, you may not be able to open that door from the inside. If you are riding as a group and the front seat is the only spot left, that is fine, having other passengers present also lowers risk.
How can you stay safe in a rideshare?
A few simple habits do most of the work. Before and during the ride:
Verify the car before you get in. Match the license plate, car make and model, and the driver's name and photo to what the app shows. Ask the driver to say your name rather than telling them yours.
Wait somewhere safe. Request the ride from inside a store or restaurant, or from a well-lit, populated area, not alone on a dark corner.
Share your trip. Both apps let you share your live location and trip details with a trusted contact so someone can track your ride.
Use the in-app safety tools. Uber's Safety Toolkit and Lyft's safety features include an emergency button that connects to 911 and shares your location; Uber also offers a safety agent through ADT.
Wear your seat belt and stay aware of the route on the app.
Trust your instincts. You can end the ride at any time. If something feels wrong, ask the driver to stop in a safe, public place and get out.
Are there safety features for women riders?
Both apps have added features aimed at women's safety. Lyft offers a Women+ Connect preference that helps match women and nonbinary riders and drivers, and Uber has rolled out options to prefer a woman driver in many markets. These are preferences, not guarantees, since driver availability varies, but they are worth turning on. The core safety habits, sitting in the back, sharing your trip, and verifying the car, apply to every rider.
What should you do if you are hurt in a rideshare accident?
Even with careful riding, crashes happen. If you are hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, get medical attention, report the crash, and take screenshots of your trip in the app (the driver, vehicle, and ride status), because those details can disappear from your history later. Then be careful before accepting any quick settlement offer.
Rideshare injury claims are more complex than an ordinary car accident because coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time (their "app period"), and California law changed the uninsured-motorist coverage these companies must carry in 2026. If you were injured, an attorney can identify which policy applies and pursue the full value of your claim. To learn more, see our Uber and Lyft accident pages, or call (949) 325-7790 for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
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