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K-State Today

September 13, 2021

SafeRide safety: Ask a simple question

Submitted by Ashley Douglass

"What's my name?"

A question that could save your life.

In March 2019, 21-year-old Samantha Josephson, a senior at the University of South Carolina, was returning home after an evening out with her friends. She called for a rideshare but failed to ensure it was her assigned driver. The fake rideshare driver then kidnapped and murdered her.

Following Sammy's death, her parents began the #WHATSMYNAME foundation in honor of their daughter to raise awareness about rideshare/Uber/Lyft safety and the importance in asking your driver, "What's my name?" before getting in the vehicle with them. They use the acronym S.A.M.I., their daughters nickname, to remind you to:

  • STOP — Think about where you're headed and review the safety features in the app before requesting a ride.
  • ASK — Ask your driver, "what's my name?" to confirm they have booked a trip with you through the app.
  • MATCH — Match up the make, model and license plate of the car with the one displayed in the app.
  • INFORM — Share the details of your trip utilizing the "share status" function in the app with a friend or family member.

Your friends, family and community members want to see you alive and healthy. When using any sort of ride services, please be cautious and take the extra steps necessary to confirm the vehicle in front of you is the vehicle and driver assigned to you through the app. Never forget to ask your driver, "What's my name?", and remember hers.

Read more about SafeRide and safety tips on the website