On Aug. 18, 2025, writer and comedian Alex Turntine took to social media to recount a distressing incident during an Uber ride that she believes was deliberately manipulated by the driver. In a series of emotional posts, Turntine described how the driver altered his route after she mentioned she was on her way to a sonogram appointment.
Turntine shared that during the ride, she called her doctor’s office to say that she was on her way. She noticed the driver’s behavior shifted abruptly when he heard her say the word “sonogram.” Turntine writes that the driver then began deviating from the GPS route, causing her estimated time of arrival to increase steadily. Despite her attempts to rationalize the detours as an effort to find a faster route, Turntine soon realized that she would miss the critical 15-minute grace period for her appointment.
The Impact of the Ride and Missed Appointment
The appointment in question was for a sonogram and ultrasound to check on her ovaries and uterus after experiencing extreme pain. Turntine explained that she had to drink 32 ounces of fluid 90 minutes before the appointment and was instructed not to use the bathroom until the procedure. During the ride, she experienced intense discomfort from needing to use the restroom.
Upon realizing that she would be late, Turntine ended the ride, only to discover that she was just five minutes from her house. The driver’s detours caused her to miss the appointment entirely. She had to walk home with a painful, full bladder, knowing that she would now have to wait another month to reschedule the appointment.
Questions Raised About the Driver's Intentions
In her posts on X, Turntine expressed her confusion over the driver’s actions, questioning if there was an underlying personal bias against women or pregnant women, particularly after hearing the term “sonogram.” She noted that her distress wasn’t just physical but emotional, as the appointment had been delayed for over a month, and the incident led to a significant emotional toll.
Turntine also attempted to retrieve details of the route taken by the driver, but Uber’s refusal to share the information further added to her frustration. She appealed to Uber for transparency and accountability, hoping to confirm the driver’s intentions and the exact path taken during the ride.
A Call for Accountability and Rider Safety
This incident highlights the importance of accountability for rideshare companies and their drivers, particularly when it comes to ensuring that passengers feel safe and respected. While in Turntine’s case she has not detailed any physical harm, it underscores the broader need for rideshare companies to ensure drivers are held to high standards of behavior, particularly when it comes to female passengers and sensitive situations.
At Helping Survivors, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe during their ride, and we are here to support those who experience harm or distress in these situations. If you or someone you know has experienced rideshare sexual assault, it’s crucial to understand your rights and take steps toward justice.
Contact Helping Survivors today to discuss your options and get the support you deserve.
