Uber Pilot Program Enables Better Safety — Here’s How

After a lengthy few years of troubling news reports, Uber made an extensive commitment to both driver and rider safety in 2017. Two year later, the ride-sharing company released its first ever US safety report, which detailed real-time statistics of the safety in question. However, now we’re really starting to see how Uber plans to to implement better safety for its passengers. The latest Uber pilot program is officially making landfall in the U.S. this year. Find out which three cities are offering the Uber pilot program and exactly how it works on behalf of your safety.

How it works

Uber is testing "Record Audio" in case the rider is uncomfortable with the ride pic.twitter.com/btC5C0F3CN

— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) September 30, 2019

The Record Audio feature in the Uber app permits drivers to document their Uber ride directly from their smartphone. What sets this feature apart from a basic recording is Uber’s encrypted mode. With its advanced coding, the app successfully stores the video in a place that is unable to be reached. Thereby, allowing an Uber Safety Support employee to access and review it if necessary. If the recording is worrisome, the video gets handed over to law enforcement to assist with an investigation.

Here are a few things to know about Uber’s pilot program before enabling the Audio Recordings function:

1. The driver is not alerted if you start recording your trip.
2. You can’t utilize Audio Recordings if you’re talking on the phone.
3. The recording stops shortly after a rider’s trip comes to an end.
4. Drivers can use this function to record their entire shift if desired.

Since the Uber pilot program is in its beginning stages, there will likely be more restrictions or changes should the service become available to the entire nation. Even so, the current pilot program shows a positive change that is both user-friendly and easily accessible to riders at all times.

What cities offer the Uber pilot program?

The Uber pilot program originated in Latin America, but today three American cities can promote the use of this safety function. Kansas City, Louisville, and Raleigh-Durham, are among the selected locations. If receptions is well-received, it’s likely more cities will gain access to the Record Audio feature down the road.

Other safety-related features

Part of Uber’s newfound commitment to safety means leveling up with advanced safety technologies. Already it has introduced new safety features that make an impact on rider and driver safety. Here is a brief description of those upgrades and what they do to ensure better safety.

In-app emergency button

Both riders and drivers have the option to contact 911 at the click of a button. Whether stuck in an emergency or potentially endangering scenario, this newly integrated feature enables direct communication between you and emergency services. First responders can also access your location and trip details automatically in select city locations.

RideCheck

This safety feature keeps track of rider wellbeing throughout the course of your trip. If a ride veers off course or takes longer than expected, it will notify the rider as a safety precaution. It can even detect if you’ve been involved in an accident. Or perhaps, spent too much time at a particular stop that seems alarming. As a result, the app will immediately send the rider a message asking if everything is okay. If not, it will send you in the right direction for help or assistance.

Uber Pilot Program makes safety more secure

From what we can see, the new pilot program is one step closer toward improving both rider and driver safety. Along with the in-app emergency function and RideCheck service, Uber is well on track to becoming a safer application service. In the new year, we hope more riders feel secure while in route to their next destination.

What do you think of Uber’s pilot program? Does the Record Audio function give you better peace of mind? Share your thoughts below.