This idea will not work unless both drivers and riders feel safe.  Here are some ideas that could make us more comfortable when providing or accepting a ride:

• when you accept a ride, use camara phone to take picture of the driver
• email picture with make/model/year and license plate of the car
• send text message with time/place you were picked up
• call a friend and let them know when/where you expect to be dropped off

photo credit: Nesster

A driver could do similar things when picking up any rider.  Some anxiety could also be reduced by picking up multiple passengers. 

Many cell phones now have built in GPS technology to identify a persons location.  What else could we do to improve safety?