Texas Tech officials say they’ve received multiple reports of sexual assaults involving rideshare drivers near campus. The university didn’t release many details, but the cases all involve drivers assaulting passengers after picking them up. So much for that “safe ride home” button in the app.
In response, Tech is giving students a crash course in rideshare survival: check the driver’s license plate, photo, and name before getting in; wait in well-lit areas; keep your phone charged; don’t ride alone if you can help it; and if things feel sketchy, cancel the ride or just get out. Translation: pretend every Uber is a possible trap and act accordingly.
The school also reminded students they have access to a free nighttime shuttle, running until 2:45 a.m. daily. It’s not as convenient as an Uber at your doorstep, but at least the driver isn’t a stranger you have to Google mid-ride.
In Lubbock, your choices after a night out are basically: risk the potholes walking home, roll the dice with a rideshare, or pray the Tech shuttle shows up before closing time.
