Users of the renowned transportation app Uber have expressed great worries about its safety.
Uber was founded in 2009 in San Francisco, and its 2020 safety report included startling data. 8,52 rape incidents and 9,805 other cases of sexual assault during Uber rides were reported between 2017 and 2020.
The U.S. safety report also claimed that 20 people were killed in assaults and at least 101 people died in crashes. The survivors have come forward, sharing their harrowing experiences in the hope of pressuring the company to implement better safety measures.
This article discusses the stories of survivors who encountered sexual assault during their Uber rides. It also sheds light on the need for changes in Uber’s screening, hiring, and driver removal practices.
Case One
Jennifer, a survivor of sexual assault, describes her horrific experience. She planned to avoid walking through a potentially dangerous neighborhood while traveling to her destination in San Francisco via Uber.
She was uncomfortable, though, because her driver started asking her inappropriate questions right away. When they arrived at the destination, he offered to assist her with her bags.
Disturbingly, he took advantage of the situation and touched her inappropriately. Jennifer filed a police report, but it remained unclear whether the driver was removed from Uber’s platform.
This incident underlines the need for Uber to be more transparent about driver dismissal and to enhance driver screening.
Case Two
Another survivor, Alex, talks about her experience with a predatory Uber driver. During her solo visit to San Francisco, Alex took an Uber and faced persistent advances from her driver.
He took personal questions, insisted on taking a tour of the city, and took her to a remote area. Taking advantage of the situation, he attempted to kiss her and touch her inappropriately.
Alex was able to shove him away and make a quick demand to be brought back. Afterward, she found out that the driver had canceled the trip without telling her.
She brought up the subject of passenger’s ongoing safety concerns when she reported several instances of sexually explicit chats with other Uber drivers.
The Company Answers
Uber’s attorney, responding to the cases surrounding Uber sexual assault lawsuit, claimed that such incidents were not preventable from Uber’s perspective.
However, survivors and their advocates argue that Uber’s lax screening practices and limited incident reporting fail to protect passengers adequately.
Uber asserts that to ensure correct classification, safety reports are reviewed by humans and that occurrences reported fall into the most serious category.
What Should Be Done?
To shield others from going through similar things, survivors like Jennifer and Alex are speaking up. They stress how urgently improved safety precautions and more extensive driver screening are needed.
Advocates argue that Uber should prioritize passenger safety over driver recruitment and take proactive steps to prevent assaults.
Providing thorough tools for survivors and enhancing clarity regarding driver removal are essential first steps in resolving this widespread problem.
Although anyone can become a victim of sexual assault, women should exercise extra caution. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that 82% of child rape victims and 90% of adult rape victims are female.
According to the TorHoerman Law, there are currently 276 ongoing cases with 24 cases added just the past month. In October 2023, all the cases had been consolidated into an MDL with allegations on safety protocols.
A Look at Uber’s Features
In order to be eligible to drive for Uber in the U.S., a background check is required. Additionally, individuals must fulfill the legal requirements for driving an automobile and present a copy of their driving license.
Uber has added a number of safety measures for users, such as the ability to view driver information. It contains details like rating, name, number plate, and a tracker to find out when the driver will arrive for pick-up. Riders can also indicate their preference for a silent or quiet ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I verify the identity of the driver?
Most ride-hailing apps provide details about the driver and their vehicle, including the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number. Before getting into the car, ensure that the driver and vehicle match the information provided in the app.
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable with the driver?
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with the driver at any point during the ride, you can ask the driver to pull over and end the trip immediately. If necessary, contact the ride-hailing company’s customer support to report the issue.
Are there any safety features within the ride-hailing app?
Yes, most ride-hailing apps offer safety features such as sharing your ride details with trusted contacts, real-time GPS tracking of the trip, and emergency assistance buttons. Familiarize yourself with these features and use them when needed.
Is it safe to share personal information with the driver?
It is generally recommended to avoid sharing personal information like your home address, phone number, or social media profiles with the driver. Maintain your privacy and only share necessary information related to the trip.
Report any safety issues you have during your ride right away to the ride-hailing company’s customer service. They’ll look into it and deal with it accordingly.
Keep in mind that your safety comes first. To guarantee a safe and enjoyable ride, remain vigilant, follow your gut, and make use of the safety measures offered by the ride-hailing service.
