Authorities are warning families after a case that shows how quickly a routine ride home can turn dangerous for teens using ride-share apps like Uber. What should have been a safe trip instead became what authorities describe as an opportunity for a predator—highlighting risks experts say can affect any family. Investigators say 28-year-old Josiah Carroll used his role as a driver to connect with teenage boys across Montgomery County. In one case, authorities say he persuaded a teen to exchange phone numbers before sending sexually explicit messages. In another, a 13-year-old reported being lured to a parking lot.

PHOENIX – A company called Waymo, part of the Google family, is operating a fleet of 600 driverless ride-share minivans, and the experience is mind-blowing. KPRC 2 Investigates tried the service both with and without a Waymo company chaperone and found it to be both reliable and efficient. Anyone and everyone is welcome to use the service as long as they are in the service territory and have downloaded the free phone app. The KPRC 2 crew visited Waymo during the morning and the Waymo fleet was staffed by professional drivers, who manually piloted the cars on their rideshare trips. One of the main routes where Waymo is deploying its fleet of rigs is on Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas.

He shared safety strategies he said all riders should know before ever getting into the back of a rideshare vehicle. According to Dupree, sitting behind your driver will make it more difficult for them to grab you for an attack. “If you’re behind him, you have the time to get out of the vehicle,” said Dupree. Check the window to see if it can roll down, that way you can open the door from the outside. Is he having conversations on a cellphone, in a very low tone or low voice that sounds suspicious?