Uber, the popular ride-sharing company, is currently facing a wave of sexual-assault litigation from passengers who claim they were assaulted by drivers. In response to these lawsuits, Uber has put forth a plan that they believe may help curb the number of such incidents in the future.
The plan, which was announced by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, includes several key components. First, Uber will now require all drivers to undergo background checks on a yearly basis, rather than just when they first sign up to drive for the company. This will help ensure that any drivers who have been convicted of sexual assault or other violent crimes are not allowed to continue driving for Uber.
Additionally, Uber will be implementing new safety features in their app, including a “panic button” that allows passengers to quickly alert authorities if they feel unsafe during a ride. The company will also be expanding their driver training programs to include more information on how to recognize and prevent sexual assault.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, some critics argue that Uber should be doing more to address the issue of sexual assault within their company. For example, some have called for Uber to implement mandatory training for all drivers on how to handle situations where a passenger is behaving inappropriately or making them feel uncomfortable.
Uber has also faced criticism for their handling of sexual-assault allegations in the past. In 2018, it was reported that Uber had received over 3,000 reports of sexual assault involving drivers or passengers in the United States alone. Many of these cases were not reported to law enforcement, leading to concerns about the company’s commitment to addressing the issue.
In response to these criticisms, Uber has stated that they are committed to improving safety for both drivers and passengers. The company has pledged to continue working with law enforcement to investigate reports of sexual assault and to take appropriate action against any drivers who are found to have committed such crimes.
While Uber’s new plan may help to reduce the number of sexual-assault incidents involving their drivers, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this issue. By working with law enforcement, implementing new safety features, and providing additional training for drivers, Uber is taking steps in the right direction. However, the company must remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of all those who use their services.