Uber has announced that it’s launching a new feature within its app that allows passengers to report non-emergency safety issues during a trip. It said that feedback has been a part of Uber since the beginning but that research shows riders may not report everything after the fact due to distractions; now, they’ll be able to report issues during the trip itself while the incident is still fresh in a passenger’s mind.
To access the feature, tap the blue shield icon and look for the Report Safety Incident option. Here, you can report an issue. Some examples of non-emergencies that Uber lists include a driver not using a mount for their phone, the driver braking sharply, or the driver making inappropriate remarks. If the issue is more serious and you think it requires police attention, you can also make an emergency call from the blue shield menu.
Commenting on the need for on-trip reports, Uber said:
“By creating an additional reporting channel, we aim to encourage people to share feedback when it’s convenient for them, which helps us better pinpoint issues and guide our work on helping to develop safety solutions.”
With trouble in London over safety fears, Uber has been trying to address concerns with the service. Last July, for example, the firm launched a safety tool called Check Your Ride which allows passengers to see if the car they’re getting into has a matching number plate, is the same make and model, and whether the driver photo matches with the person driving the vehicle. No doubt we’ll see more safety features from Uber as competitors like Ola enter the same markets with an emphasis on safety.