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Safety info for drivers

Safety is our highest priority and a key component to the Lyft ride experience. As a driver, it's important to ensure that both you and your passenger(s) feel comfortable during a ride. Below, we've included some helpful resources and tips for handling unsafe situations. You can also learn more about Lyft's commitment to safety.
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Emergency situations
If this is an emergency, please call 911.
As a part of Lyft’s partnership with ADT, you can now request emergency help through the app.
  1. Tap the shield icon on the lower left side of the screen.
  2. Tap 'Get emergency help' to alert ADT. They'll call you for more info.
If you don’t answer, ADT contacts 911 to provide your location details. You’ll be provided with real-time updates in the Lyft app with the status of your emergency request.
Report a safety incident
Should you need additional support in reporting an unsafe situation, we’re here to help. Our Safety Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need to speak to our Safety team, select ‘Contact Support’ below.
Report an accident or citation
As a reminder, Lyft defines accidents as:
  1. Vehicle collisions
  2. A vehicle striking an object (for example a curb, wall, or tree)
  3. Vehicle damage to third-party property
We’ll guide you through the next steps of reporting a vehicle collision. As a reminder, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you received any type of citation while driving for Lyft, let us know so that we can assist further. Please make sure to have a photo of the front and back of the citation ready.
Community Safety Education program
Lyft's committed to educating our community on appropriate behavior in a Lyft ride. To help prevent unpleasant experiences, we've developed a Community Safety Education program. This program is in partnership with RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S.
All Lyft drivers are required to complete this program to continue giving rides. This program addresses how to deal with challenging situations and how to provide a safe ride for everyone.
New York drivers only
As a New York driver, you’ll automatically receive a one-time payment for up to 1 hour of time spent viewing educational materials.
The payment will be $15 per hour or the applicable minimum wage, whichever is higher.
You’ll see the educational payment in your weekly earnings summary as a one-time bonus after you’ve completed one ride.
About ADT Emergency Help Video
Note: ADT Emergency Help Video is currently only available in select regions.
What is ADT Emergency Help Video?
ADT can use your phone’s cameras to observe a live stream video when you request Emergency Help. The video and audio will also be recorded by ADT.
Who is ADT?
ADT is a leading security and automation provider with nearly 150 years of security experience and the largest network of security professionals.
Can I get help without video?
If you make an Emergency Help request but have not granted permissions, are actively driving, or have weak cell service, ADT will call your phone number without video and stay connected until you feel safe.
What happens to the recording?
The video is recorded, stored, and maintained in accordance with ADT's privacy policy. Only ADT can access Emergency Help recordings. Nobody else can access it unless they have a valid legal request. Lyft cannot share the footage with you on ADT’s behalf. Review ADT's privacy policy.
Protecting yourself and your vehicle
To help you feel prepared and secure whenever and wherever you drive, we’ve partnered with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) to create these safety tips.
Tips to Protect Yourself
  1. Put your safety first. Your personal safety always comes first. That’s why it’s important to trust your gut. Follow your instincts and leave the area if you’re in an uncomfortable or unsafe place or situation.
  2. Stay aware and alert. Protect yourself, your riders, and others around you by staying aware and alert. Always check your surroundings before entering and exiting your vehicle. If you notice suspicious behavior or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave the area and immediately call 911. You can also discreetly connect with an ADT security professional in your app to get emergency help during a ride.
  3. Start each ride by confirming your rider’s name. Remember to confirm your rider’s name before unlocking your vehicle and inviting them in.
  4. Use de-escalation techniques to support you. Keeping calm is the best way to de-escalate a tense situation. Do your best to remain calm, keep your voice low, avoid verbal and physical confrontation, and be mindful of your body language. For more de-escalation techniques, visit IHollaBack.org.
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle
  1. Secure your vehicle and keep your valuables with you. Keep your vehicle safe by locking your doors and taking your keys and phone with you to help prevent theft. Make sure no personal or valuable items are in plain sight before you exit your vehicle.
  2. Keep moving between rides. Avoid idling for long periods. Your vehicle should only be idle for a few minutes before either moving or turning your engine off.
  3. Park with safety in mind. When parking, especially at night, stick to well-lit and well-traveled areas. Remember to always lock your doors and roll your windows up.
Additional resources and guidelines
Safety 101
The video below provides a quick overview on staying safe, both as a driver and for your passengers. For more safe driving tips and in-app safety features, visit our Learning Center. Open the main menu and tap 'Support and Safety,' then tap ‘Learning Center.'
Two-way rating system
Our two-way rating system helps ensure the safety and comfort of the Lyft community. At the end of the ride, drivers and passengers can rate each other on a scale of 1–5 stars, 5 being the best. If you rate a passenger 3 stars or below, the app will ensure that you’ll not be paired with this passenger in the future.
You should base your rating on your ride experience. You'll have the option to provide specific feedback, so we know which areas to improve.
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