New Safety Tool Offers Improved Security Measures for Uber Passengers
February 10, 2020
Uber recently announced the launch of Uber RideCheck, a new safety feature that works with GPS data and other sensors in drivers’ smartphones to track possible accidents, or if there is an unusually long stop while a ride is in progress. If the system detects a problem, the driver and passenger will receive a notification asking if everything is alright. The passenger can either let the app know that there are no safety issues, or they can report the problem to Uber or emergency personnel. This new feature improves the safety and security of passengers and Uber drivers.
The RideCheck program was initially launched in Los Angeles in September 2018 as a pilot program. After expanding to other major cities, including Dallas, Detroit, and Houston, it became available for all Uber riders across the United States in 2019. According to an Uber Spokesperson, this technology offers improved safety and security by detecting potential crashes before they happen, and alerting Uber or emergency personnel if an Uber vehicle goes off course or stops for an unusually long period of time. In addition to following up on any safety issues in a timely fashion, the technology enables the company to expedite the claims process for customers.
Safety is a Major Concern for Uber Passengers
A recent CNN study revealed that approximately 100 male Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault, verbal abuse, harassment, physical violence, and rape by female passengers. Several civil lawsuits have been filed with Uber’s legal team, which has brought significant negative attention from customers and law enforcement agencies. While law enforcement agencies recognize that the new safety app can help improve rider safety, they are urging the company to conduct a more thorough background check of all prospective drivers, including fingerprint recognition. This could have prevented some of the previous incidents involving Uber drivers who had convictions for crimes, including sexual assault, burglary, carjacking, rape, and drug-related crimes.
Last year, a college student from South Carolina was killed after getting into a car that she thought was an Uber vehicle. In 2018, an Uber passenger was fatally shot in Denver, prompting female riders to file a proposed class action lawsuit against Uber, citing poor driver vetting that resulted in passengers being sexually harassed and raped. The number of people who use ridesharing companies continues to grow, so rider safety is more important than ever.
Baltimore Car Wreck Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Uber Passengers
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident while riding in a ridesharing vehicle, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car wreck lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will investigate your case and ensure that your rights are protected. We will walk you through the claims process and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.