The ONE Sign A Passenger Will be a Problem

— By Chuck Driver —

If you’ve been driving long enough, you start to notice patterns. 

Not every bad ride is a surprise. Some practically announce themselves before the passenger even opens your door. 

And there’s one type in particular that shows up again and again, turning what should be a routine trip into something uncomfortable, unpredictable, or flat-out unsafe. Recognizing that pattern early can save you a lot of stress and potentially a much bigger problem down the road.

A Pickup That Screams Trouble

The one pickup that signals trouble: an incoherent, belligerent drunk. Especially if they can barely stand, their speech is slurred, and they’re solo. That’s a red flag that this ride has a very high chance of going sideways! 

I’ve picked up enough of these solo drunks to write a book. And it usually goes the same way: they flop into the backseat as if they own it, you immediately smell booze, and then the ride starts. They never sit still, they mess with your vehicle controls, or worse—they touch or harass you.

Sometimes they vomit. Sometimes they fall asleep and can’t get out. Sometimes their friends pawn them off on you and then disappear, leaving the responsibility of their drunk friend with you. Not cool. But most of the time, these types of rides never end well. 

Related Article: How to Deal With Drunk Passengers

A Quick Real-World Example

I picked up a woman at 4 a.m. who I thought was heading to work—until she tumbled into my Tesla smelling like last call. “Can you stop at Wawa? I need cigarettes.” Fine. She bolts into the store, leaving her duffel bag and food in my backseat, runs back with smokes.

She spends the next 20 minutes slumping, changing my radio, touching me, asking inappropriate questions. I felt uneasy and couldn’t wait to drop her off. Immediate two-star rating—I dropped the deuce on her. Later that day, she left me a $15 tip through the app. But it didn’t change how I felt about the situation. I still felt uneasy and could’ve had a real problem.

That scene plays on repeat in my head because it highlights the danger of one passenger type: the incoherent, belligerent drunk who’s alone. If you see that person, either brace yourself. Or better yet, drive away and never pick them up to begin with!

Because most rides like that end with problems: vomit, harassment, sleeping passengers who can’t exit, or false claims against you. 

Here’s how I handle these pickups—my step-by-step protocol.

Got a Problem Passenger? Here’s What To Do

Once you know what to watch for, the next step is having a simple plan. You don’t need anything complicated—just a few clear boundaries and quick decisions that help you stay in control from the moment the ride pops up to the moment it ends.

Before You Accept

• Be ready for drunks if the pickup looks like it’s from a bar area and it’s after last-call hours. 

• Cancel if your gut says “no.” Just hit cancel and move on. Better a lost fare than a safety incident.

At the Pickup

• Keep doors locked until you’re ready to let them in after a quick screening.

• If they’re stumbling or slurring by themselves, say: “I’m sorry, but I can’t take you alone. Is there anyone else coming with you?” Set that boundary immediately!

During the Ride

• A simple “Hey—how’s everyone feeling tonight?” can provide helpful insight if you need to hand out a vomit bag.

• If they touch your screen or controls, calmly say: “Please don’t touch my controls without asking.” Direct but professional.

• If they become aggressive or sexual, pull over to a public, well-lit spot and end the ride right there. Call platform support and, if needed, 911. Don’t try to force an outcome alone.

If They Fall Asleep

• Try waking them up. But don’t touch them or drag them out. Call platform support. If they’re at home, knock on their door for potential help. 

• If they vomit or leave a mess, take photos immediately and report it to the app. Most platforms reimburse cleaning fees if you follow their incident-reporting steps.

Documentation (Don’t Skip This!)

• Be the first to report! Because you don’t want to be on the defensive against false passenger claims.

• Use the in-app reporting tools. Write concise factual notes (time, location, behavior).

• Screenshot messages and ride details. If you have a dashcam, note that footage exists and keep it backed up. RedTiger F17 Plus is the perfect dash camera for all rideshare drivers!

When To Call the Cops

• Physical assault, threats, sexual assault, or the passenger refusing to exit are all reasons to call 911. Your safety comes first.

• Keep in mind to use de-escalation skills. Stay calm and maintain professionalism, as anything you say could be used by the passenger in a report to the rideshare platform.

Related Article: 5 Worst Rideshare Passengers & How To Handle Them

Boundary Lines for the Future

Rideshare drivers need to be vigilant when handling solo drunk passengers, especially if someone is trying to pass off their incapacitated friend onto you. 

If you find yourself in a situation where a passenger has been ordered by someone else who is clearly responsible for them, kindly inform them that you can't take on solo caregiving duties. It's important to assert that you won't be placed in the role of a caretaker.

Why This Matters?

We trade hours and miles for money, but we shouldn’t trade our safety. Any size tip—large or small—isn’t worth risking your wellbeing. 

A $15 tip doesn’t erase the fear of being assaulted, falsely accused, or left cleaning up vomit. Your safety comes first. So never feel guilty for cancelling a trip if the situation makes you uncomfortable.

What’s the one red flag you never ignore?

And what’s your one tell that a passenger is about to be a big problem?

For me, the lone, stumbling passenger with slurred speech is the seismic warning.

Stay safe out there.

— Chuck Driver

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