Security expert reveals safest place to sit in an Uber after woman shares scary reason to avoid back

There’s always a certain level of risk when getting into a rideshare vehicle of any kind – but is there a specific seat in an Uber or Lyft car that puts you more at risk?

A social media user sparked a heated debate about the safest place to sit after she claimed she never sits in the back seat of a stranger’s vehicle.

‘I’m only finding out that there are women who sit in the backseats of Ubers? I always sit in front,’ user Luna M posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

She warned that the driver can turn on the childlock feature, which would make it impossible for you to open the door and get out. 

‘There is nothing I fear more than childlock protection,’ she wrote.

The post sparked a massive argument over if there is a ‘safe’ place to sit in the event of a emergency or if a dangerous situation arises.

‘I want to sit in front, so I kick and pull and even the hand brakes won’t be safe,’ one user shared.

‘I sit in the backseat directly behind the driver so I can headlock them should the need arise,’ another commented.

Someone else argued that sitting in the front seat may make being ‘held at gunpoint easier.’ 

‘I sit behind the driver,’ they explained.

‘Why sit at the front? Stay at the back so you can easily run out incase he acts funny without him grabbing you,’ agreed someone else.

‘When it comes to rideshare safety, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all seat that’s “perfect,” but there are best practices,’ safety expert Daniel Loo, Principal Consultant of security company North Star Group, told the Daily Mail.

He explained sitting in the rear passenger-side seat, behind the front passenger, is often the safest choice.

‘It allows you to exit quickly toward the curb in traffic and gives you a clear line of sight to both the driver and the road,’ he said.

‘The concern about child locks is valid – which is why it’s important to test the door handle discreetly when you first get in.’

Loo advised if you’re traveling alone, it’s best to avoid sitting directly behind the driver, as it limits your visibility and maneuverability. 

‘The front seat generally offers less physical separation, so it’s not recommended unless you’re in a group,’ he urged. 

He also shared some additional tips for a safe ride.

‘Always confirm the license plate and driver details in your app before getting in,’ he suggested.

Loo also advised you share your trip status with a friend or family member through the rideshare app.

‘Trust your instincts – if something feels off, don’t get in the car,’ he urged.

‘Ultimately, layered awareness is what keeps you safe – where you sit is just one part of the equation.’

In April, safety expert Dannah Eve, who goes by The Street Smart Blonde online and has a degree in both criminology and psychology, shared the one thing you should avoid in a rideshare.

She warned viewers that they should never accept anything edible from their rideshare drivers in a TikTok video, as it can be extremely dangerous – even if it appears to be sealed.

‘Do not accept anything from your Uber, Lyft, or rideshare driver,’ Dannah began in the now-viral video.

‘No water, no mints, no snacks, nothing,’ she continued. ‘And, yes, not even if it’s sealed and looks like it’s never been open.’

The safety expert explained that while ‘99.999 percent’ of drivers are just trying to be nice and do so to have a good rating, there are still ‘horror stories’ that can come out of these seemingly innocent situations.

‘In today’s world, it’s not worth the risk,’ Eve warned.