Uber introduces new safety features for users

With security-related incidents increasing over the course of the year, Ride-hailing companies have added extra layers of security for their customers. Uber recently launched a host of new safety features for drivers and riders alike.

According to a statement, the new features aim to raise the bar on safety and increase transparency and accountability for all users.

 

“With about 15 million trips happening on the Uber app each day, we are putting safety at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to begin rolling out this new safety toolkit with the aim to double down on safety in our app and helping all users stay safe and connected throughout their journeys,” according to Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Global Head of Safety Product.



The features include:

Emergency button - With the push of a button in the app, riders and drivers/couriers can connect directly to local police when needed.

Trusted Contacts - Riders can share their trip with up to five contacts and customise their trip sharing preferences.

Safety Centre - A new app-housed safety information hub where users can find information on insurance, safety tips built with law enforcement and more.

Share Trip - Drivers can easily share their location and trip status with family and friends

Caller anonymisation - Riders and drivers will be able to call each other while maintaining the privacy of their number while using Uber.

The company has also taken other initiatives to promote security for their customers. In Pakistan, the company has teamed up with the Kashf Foundation in a bid to educate driver partners to help prevent harassment of any kind.



Uber has also introduced a 'driving hours limit' aimed at preventing any road fatigue for drivers. Similarly, the ride-hailing company has announced an insurance product for all driver-partners called ‘Injury Protection.’

It's important to see how these changes will improve protection for ride hailers.