Uber Introduces New Safety Feature Lineup, Including a 911 Option
Lauren Mineau | April 13, 2018Ride-hailing giant Uber recently added some new in-app safety features that will debut this summer.
In a blog post, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi outlined the new features, most of which related to passenger safety and the ability to report anything out-of-the-ordinary.
The company is testing an in-app 911 calling feature, which will be available first for passengers then for drivers.
If a user presses the Call 911 button, it will open a call box for the user to then press call and 911 will be connected. It won’t be automatic. The dispatcher will not only be able to communicate with the caller, but they’ll also have access to the Uber trip details, starting point and destination as well as their location at the time of the call.
Another technology, which will roll out this summer in some pilot cities, including Denver, Colorado, will be a partnership between Rapid SOS and the Uber app. Rapid SOS is technology that connects devices to emergency contacts and connects internet of things devices to first responders. This technology will automatically send dispatchers information about the ride.
Another feature will be the trusted contacts tab, which will allow users to share ride details with a handful of chosen contacts. Users can also select rides only at night to be shown, if they choose.
Uber is also strengthening the driver screening process. For the first time, drivers will be checked for criminal offenses and motor vehicle violations annually. Previously, rechecks were only done if there was a prudent reason.
Uber safety officials will also be notified faster if a driver has a new offense to speed up the review process to determine if someone’s still fit to drive.
Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson will also join Uber’s Safety Advisory Board as Chairman. The Safety Advisory Board was created in 2015. Johnson will be the first chair.
According to the DOT rules, being" fit " to drive, has nothing to do with a driver's record.
Fit, pertains to a driver's health screening or physical.