Holiday events across Sarasota and Manatee — from the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade to evenings on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch and gatherings along the Bradenton Riverwalk — bring excitement, crowds, and late-night celebrations. They also bring something every parent feels, no matter how old their child is: concern.
Many of us at the firm are parents ourselves — including Senior Partners Bernard Walsh and David L. Goldman, along with several staff members who are raising teens or have children in college. We understand the worry that comes with letting young people navigate busy holiday nights, especially when rideshares become their main transportation.
Uber and Lyft are a smart alternative to driving, particularly during a season when DUI-related crashes increase, but they come with risks teens and young adults may not recognize. This guide offers practical steps to help keep them safe — whether they’re heading to the boat parade, meeting friends at Five Points, or celebrating along the Riverwalk.
Start with the Most Important Rule: Verify the Right Driver
Before your teen heads to Five Points Park, Waterside Place, or Riverwalk Pavilion, teach them to verify all four details:
- Driver name
- Driver photo
- Car make and model
- License plate
Busy event areas make it easier for impostor drivers to blend in — particularly along Main Street Sarasota, Old Main Street in Bradenton, and high-traffic pickup zones at UTC or Siesta Village.
If anything doesn’t match exactly, they should not get in the vehicle.
Choose Safer Pickup & Drop-Off Spots at Local Events
Certain areas are higher risk — unlit parking lots, alleys behind bars, and congested curbs after parades or festivals.
Help your teen identify safer, predictable locations:
- The public lots near Sarasota City Hall during downtown events
- The designated rideshare zones east of Five Points
- Well-lit parking around the Bradenton Riverwalk Amphitheater
- Populated areas on Venice Main Street
Encourage them to wait inside a restaurant or café until the rideshare arrives, especially during busy holiday weekends.
Use Ride Tracking When They’re Out at Night
Rideshare apps allow teens to share their trip with a parent in real time. Features include:
- Live GPS trip tracking
- Instant location sharing
- Route deviation alerts
This is especially helpful when they’re traveling between cities, across bridges, or in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Back Seat Only — Especially in Late-Night Crowds
Whether the night ends at the Van Wezel, Five Points, or Riverwalk’s holiday lights, teens should always sit in the back seat.
This provides:
- More personal space
- A safer exit route
- Distance if anything feels off
If a driver insists they sit in the front seat, that’s a red flag.
If Something Feels Wrong — Trust Their Instincts
Teach your teen to end the ride or get out at a safe location if the driver:
- Changes the route without explanation
- Appears impaired or extremely tired
- Drives aggressively
- Refuses to follow the navigation
Tell them to move toward a well-lit storefront or event entrance if they need to exit suddenly.
If a Rideshare Crash Happens
Rideshare collisions can involve multiple insurance companies and confusing layers of responsibility. Acting promptly is important, especially if your teen is a passenger and injured.
When You Need Support
At Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh, many of us are parents ourselves, and we take the safety of young people in our community seriously. Our senior partners bring over 150 years of combined experience, and our firm has helped Florida families navigate the aftermath of rideshare and auto accidents with professionalism and compassion.
Clients trust us for our communication, guidance, and personal attention — values supported by our excellent client reviews, including a 4.9 Google rating, a 10/10 Avvo rating, and AV Preeminent® recognition.
If your teen is ever injured in a rideshare or auto accident, we’re here to help you understand the next steps.
Call (941) 954-1234
You Deserve More. Real Support. Real Advocacy. Justice Pays®.
