by A Phoenix Uber driver has gone viral after posting a TikTok PSA urging passengers to answer their phones when drivers arrive. The short but fiery video has sparked widespread discussion online, particularly among other rideshare drivers who say they face the same issue daily.
“Do You Play Hide-and-Seek With Your Phone After You Order?”
The driver, known as Coach Centearious on TikTok, shared the viral clip on October 10, calling out passengers for ordering rides and then ignoring the very device used to contact them.
“Do you play hide-and-seek with your phone after you order?” she asked. “Like, even with food — you ordered something to come to you, and then you disregard the device that is used to contact you. I don’t understand.”
Her message resonated with Uber and Lyft drivers across Arizona and beyond, many of whom shared similar experiences.
“I Could Literally See Her Standing There, But She Wouldn’t Answer”
Coach recounted a recent pickup in downtown Phoenix near a crowded venue, where a passenger ignored multiple calls and texts.
“Her phone kept going straight to voicemail,” she explained. “There were at least a thousand people around, and she’s just standing there not answering.”
Even though she could track the passenger’s location via Uber GPS, Coach said it wasn’t safe to pull over in heavy traffic without communication. After several minutes of waiting, she canceled the ride.
“At that point, I don’t feel bad for canceling on you,” she said in the video. “You’re a moron.”
“Pay Attention — We’re Not Mind Readers”
The PSA quickly sparked support from other rideshare workers, who noted that unresponsive passengers are among their biggest frustrations.
“You can’t call or text them, but they’ll instantly message Uber to complain when you cancel,” one commenter wrote.
“Exactly! We’re not mind readers. If you order a ride, answer your phone,” another added.
Some passengers also weighed in, agreeing that ignoring drivers is both inconsiderate and time-wasting.
“Sometimes You Just Gotta Cancel”
Rideshare forums note that drivers face penalties for late arrivals or cancellations, but safety remains the top priority. Coach explained that while she tries to give riders every chance to respond, she cancels when people blatantly ignore calls, particularly in busy areas.
“It’s Phoenix — there’s always traffic, events, and construction. If you’re not paying attention, that’s on you,” she said.
“A Lesson in Common Courtesy”
Coach’s blunt message has been widely celebrated as a reminder that drivers are on the clock and deserve respect.
“Drivers aren’t your personal chauffeurs,” one viewer commented. “They’re on the clock, trying to make a living.”
She concluded her video with a final warning:
“If you can’t pay attention to your phone, maybe you shouldn’t be ordering anything that involves it.”
Have you ever missed an Uber pickup because you weren’t paying attention? Share your stories and thoughts at race-day-live.com.
