The man was 5’3”
If need be, the women probably could have taken him.
That said, women have to be on better alert than that.
I think Travis McGee's admonition to be polite and professional but have a plan to kill everyone you meet applies to Uber drivers.
“Hello, ladies. Hop in. Where ya goin’?”
“We’re going to Hooters where we work.”
“Oh, man. Excuse me while I lock all the doors. It’s for your own safety. Say, have you ever heard of the Story of O?”
“Is it about Cheerios?”
“Is it a Sesame Street episode?”
“No, the Story of O is about a guy doing nasty stuff to a girl, like I’m gonna do to you...”
“Stop the car. Let us out!”
“... starting with a quote from Rime of the Ancient Mariner...”
“Help, help!”
“... and then you’re going to write me an essay.”
“Just shoot us, please!”