Ride-sharing remains one of the most popular ways to get around metro Atlanta — especially late at night in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.
Both Uber and Lyft have rolled out refreshed safety reminders for both riders and drivers in the Atlanta market. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on Uber.
The push comes after a string of high-profile incidents nationwide and local data showing a 12% increase in reported safety-related complaints in the Atlanta region, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
Key Uber Safety Tips for Atlanta Riders
“Safety is my top priority when I get into an Uber, full stop,” said TinaThompson, a frequent traveler who takes a rideshare to the Atlanta airport when she goes out of town. “One thing I know about Uber is that they’re constantly updating tools and educating our community so everyone can get home safely.”
1. Verify Your Ride
Always check that the license plate, driver photo, and car make/model in the app match the vehicle that pulls up.
Uber’s “Verify Your Ride” PIN feature (available in Atlanta) lets you set a unique 4-digit code that the driver must verbally confirm before you get in.
2. Share Your Trip
Use the “Share Trip” feature to send real-time location updates to trusted friends or family. In Atlanta, many riders also share their trip with roommates when leaving popular nightlife spots like Edgewood Avenue or West Midtown.
3. Use In-App Emergency Button
The prominent red shield icon connects you directly to 911 and shares your live location, vehicle details, and trip info with dispatchers — a feature Atlanta Police Department partner since 2018.
4. Ride in the Back Seat
Especially when riding alone. It gives you easy access to both doors and keeps distance from the driver.
5. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, cancel the ride (no fee if the driver is more than 5 minutes away) and report it immediately.
Tips for Atlanta Uber Drivers
- Complete the in-app safety checklist before every trip (seatbelt on, no distractions, etc.).
- Never start the trip until the rider confirms their name.
- Use the anonymized phone numbers provided by Uber instead of sharing personal numbers.
- Pull over safely if a rider makes you uncomfortable and end the trip using the in-app safety toolkit.
New Atlanta-Specific Features
Uber recently expanded its “Audio Recording” pilot (opt-in for both riders and drivers) to the entire Atlanta metro area. If enabled, encrypted recordings are only unlocked if a safety report is filed. The company also increased the number of critical response team members dedicated to Georgia incidents.
Final Word
Atlanta Police report that ride-share related incidents remain relatively rare compared to the millions of trips completed each year, but late-night rides originating from entertainment districts continue to see the highest number of complaints.
Uber says 99.9% of trips in Atlanta end with no safety reports at all.
For the latest safety features, riders and drivers can visit the Safety section in the Uber app or help.uber.com.
Stay safe out there, Atlanta.