Not too long ago we posted on the CNN exposě that revealed that 103 Uber drivers had been accused of rape, assault or abuse in the last four years. The transportation app has gotten the message loud and clear and has now installed a 911 feature for both drivers and passengers.
“We realize that a lot of situations and a lot of criminal activity arises when people think they’re not being watched,” Uber Director of Product Management Sachin Kansal told The Verge. “And we just want to say that we’re turning the lights on. Part of turning the lights on is providing these features to both sides and also make sure we’re making the entire community aware of the presence of these features.”
The panic button has launched only in America as of now and can be activated by the safety icon in the bottom right corner of the app. Once clicked, users will be prompted to clarify the reason behind the call. Uber is working on having the car's location immediately given to dispatchers, as well as an option for riders to share the drives information with their contacts. The feature is being tested in seven U.S. states and should be available globally in due time.
