Uber Launches New Security Features
Uber has always been at the forefront of safety, and their latest batch of safety features is no exception. With updated Ride check features, seatbelt reminders, and SOS integration, Uber is making sure that their riders are always safe. And with their expanded support and safety toolkit, they’re making sure that their drivers are always safe as well.
Uber on Tuesday announced a slew of new technology-led safety features, including an audio rear seatbelt reminder, proactively detecting trip anomalies, customer SOS integration with local police, and more.
The company has been under pressure to improve its safety record after a series of high-profile incidents, and it appears to be taking that criticism to heart with these latest additions.
The updated Ride check feature will now notify drivers if there are any unusual stops or deviations from the expected route, giving them an opportunity to check on their passengers and make sure everything is okay. This could be a valuable tool in preventing crime or other accidents.
Similarly, the new seatbelt reminder will remind drivers to buckle up before starting a trip, and will also alert them if any passengers in the backseat are not wearing a seatbelt. This could help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
The company has also launched an SOS integration with local police to share critical information with them, including live location. This feature is already live in Hyderabad and the company is in active talks with major metro cities.
This latest move by Uber comes as the company looks to further improve its safety record following a series of high-profile incidents. In 2016, for example, an Uber driver in India was accused of raping a passenger. The incident led to protests and calls for stricter regulation of ride-hailing companies.
Since then, Uber has made a number of changes to its safety policies and procedures, including introducing mandatory background checks for drivers, adding an in-app emergency button and partnering with law enforcement agencies around the world.
The new SOS integration will add another layer of protection for passengers, giving them the ability to immediately alert authorities if they feel unsafe during a trip. In Hyderabad, this feature is already operational, and the company is actively in contact with other big metropolises.
In addition to the new safety features announced today, Uber also has a number of other safety features available at the tap of a button. These include the option to share your trip with a friend or family member, as well as an emergency button that will immediately call 911 and provide them with your location. Uber also has a strict policy against leaving children or pets alone in an Uber car, and offers additional insurance protection for riders in some markets.
