I felt physically sick when I got into my Lyft this weekend. There were 5 other people in the car, and I still felt overwhelming anxiety.

The death of Samantha Josephson was something that affected many people. Not just those that knew her or went to USC, but people everywhere. I was standing in the gym and overheard two girls saying, “That could’ve been me. I don’t know when I last truly paid attention to my Uber.”

And that summarizes what affected people so much, that could’ve been me. As people everywhere are embracing the #WhatsMyName campaign in honor of Sami, I’d like to ask that Uber and Lyft help us in steps to assure safety for all passengers. 

A QR code. It’s that easy. That’s all it takes to verify that the Uber or Lyft you are getting in is yours. Not only does it help passengers verify they are getting in the right car, but it helps drivers know they are picking up the right person. I spoke to my Lyft driver this weekend who also had stories to share about people intentionally getting in his car who aren’t passengers in an attempt to get money or get a ride somewhere. Scanning a QR code on the window of the passenger side of your Uber/Lyft would instantly verify for both parties that you are the right person. In addition, it could be used as a tool to “check in” your ride and alert others that you are in the car. 

I am no logistics person, and I’m sure there’s much more that would need to be worked out. But we trust these companies with our lives every day as we get in a car with someone else behind the wheel. I am by no means faulting these companies for this situation because the only person to blame is the man who kidnapped and murdered Sami, however, a lot of people would feel much more safe with this in place.

Help sign this petition so that Uber and Lyft will see this idea! Together we can improve the safety of others. #ForeverToTheeSami