So that's my rideshare driver and this, this is me getting into the car.

We were laughing, my friends and I, music blasting, windows down.

It felt safe, normal.

But I had no idea that every 8 minutes a rider is sexually assaulted and I was about to be the next one.

We dropped my friends off one by one.

He looked at me and said, "Hop in the front seat.

It's easier."

And I didn't think anything of it.

Minutes later, I was left on the street, dazed, drugged, alone.

To stay safe, sit in the back, check the plate, and never take free drinks.

And if you've been a victim, know this, it is never your fault because sometimes the ride doesn't end where you think it will.