Uber today announced the new Safety Toolkit which, over the next few weeks, will be rolled out to the millions of riders, drivers and delivery-partners using the app across Europe, Middle East and Africa. The toolkit will introduce new innovative features which aim to raise the bar on safety, and increase transparency, accountability and peace of mind for all users.
Since launching the app, Uber has provided millions of people with technology that allows them to get a ride at the push of a button, track every trip with GPS technology and report any issues 24/7 with a dedicated safety team. With the introduction of new safety features, the company aims to double down on safety and help make the Uber community safer.
Features to be introduced as part of the new rider and driver safety toolkit
- Driver/Delivery Partner Emergency button – With the push of a button in the app, drivers and delivery-partners can connect directly to private security response when needed through a third party supplier
- Speed alerts – A feature which reminds drivers and delivery-partners to maintain a safe speed within the posted speed limits.
- Trusted Contacts – Riders can now easily designate five friends or family members as “trusted contacts” and, with a single tap, share their trip information which are easily customisable in their trip sharing preferences.
- Safety Centre – A new app-housed safety information hub where riders can find information on some of the key existing safety tools in the app, including our 24/7 team, information on the driver and the car, trip GPS-tracking and our rating and feedback system.
A snippet of Uber’s Share with Contact feature that shares your location with a trusted contact PHOTO BY:Uber
“With more than 15 million trips on the Uber app every day, there is nothing more important than the safety of riders, drivers and couriers. Over the last year we’ve been working to develop innovative products that increase transparency, accountability and peace of mind for all users. The rollout of our new Safety Toolkit features across Europe, Middle East and Africa is the next step in making sure that we’re helping everyone stay safe and connected, wherever you might be,” says Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Global Head of Safety Product.
Although Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has made safety a top priority for 2018 from the time he was unveiled as the new head contorller. The number of changes made to the app, all the way from the ultimate Uber Air experience in Kampala to protection for drivers, delivery-partners, riders are inline with the future of ride hailing services worldwide. In addition, driver hour limits help prevent drowsy driving, as the Driver Share My Trip is more like Taxify ‘s ETA option.