Almost everyone has a cell phone now and many have built in GPS capability.  Most cell phone networks are offering location-based service (LBS) to easily identify the whereabouts of an individual. 

Some of these are combined with a web based service like Loopt to identify a precise location of a friend or family member.  Wherify and Sprint Family Locator are two other examples of this technology already being implemented around the country.

This type of technology could help ease concerns when accepting rides.  Now you can easily find the location of your family and friends through their cell phones.

photo credit: kalleboo

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?