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What to do if…
a rideshare or taxi driver makes sexual comments and you feel trapped or unsafe

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Your priority is to get to a safer, public place as soon as you can. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t argue, explain, or try to “teach a lesson” if that might escalate the driver.
  • Don’t feel you have to be polite, laugh, or play along to keep things calm.
  • Don’t accept a detour, quick stop, or offer to be dropped somewhere more private.
  • Don’t share personal details, such as whether you live alone, where you are going next, or your relationship status, if you can avoid it.
  • Don’t wait to see if it gets worse if you already feel unsafe.

What to do now

  1. Switch to “get out safely” mode. Use a neutral, practical reason to end or pause the trip:

    • “I feel sick. Please pull in at the next petrol station or busy shop.”
    • “I need to take a call. Please stop at the next safe place.”
    • “I’m changing my drop-off. Please stop at that supermarket entrance.” Aim for a staffed, well-lit, busy location, such as a petrol station, supermarket entrance, hotel lobby, transport hub, or open shop.

  2. Make it easier for someone to find you.

    • If you are in a rideshare app, share your trip status or live location with a trusted person if the app allows it.
    • If you cannot do that, send a short message such as: “In a taxi now. I feel unsafe. Heading to [busy place].”
    • If it feels safer, call someone and keep the call simple: “I’m in the car now. Stay on the phone with me.”

  3. Use emergency options if you feel at risk.

    • If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.
    • If you cannot speak safely on a mobile, call 999, listen to the operator, make a sound if you can, and press 55 if prompted so the call can be transferred to police.

  4. Create a low-conflict exit at the stop.

    • Keep your reason short and practical: “This is fine, I’m getting out here.”
    • Take your belongings before you end the conversation.
    • Step out and move toward people or staff, not to a quiet pavement corner.
    • If the driver challenges you, repeat the same short line rather than debating.

  5. Once you are away from the vehicle, do not re-engage.

    • Go inside the busy place if you can.
    • Ask staff for help arranging another way home or calling someone.
    • If the driver follows, blocks you, threatens you, or will not leave, ask staff to call 999.

  6. Capture only what is easy and safe. If it will not put you at risk, note or screenshot the time, pickup and drop-off area, car registration, driver name, badge or licence number, route, and trip receipt. Do not do this while it could escalate the situation.

  7. After you are safe, use support or reporting routes only if you choose.

    • You can speak to a specialist sexual violence support service without deciding whether to report.
    • Rideshare app: report it in-app as a safety concern if you want to.
    • Taxi or private hire booked through an operator: report it to the operator if you want to.
    • Taxi or private hire licence issue: report it to the local council licensing team, or to TfL if it was in London, if you want to.
    • Police: use 101 or online reporting if it is not an emergency.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to report to police, the company, or the licensing authority.
  • You do not need to write a perfect account immediately; getting safe first is enough.
  • You do not need to answer messages from the driver, operator, or platform while you are still shaken.
  • You do not need to decide whether what happened was “serious enough” before seeking support.

Important reassurance

Freezing, going quiet, laughing nervously, or being overly polite can be a normal safety response. Feeling trapped can make sexual comments or questions feel frightening, and you are allowed to prioritise getting away safely.

Scope note

These are first steps to help you reach a safer pause and stabilise the situation. Later decisions, including reporting, complaints, or support, may need specialist help if you choose to seek it.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are safe now but want police advice or to report, you can contact police via 101 or online.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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