Ridesharing has revolutionized the way we travel, offering convenience and accessibility.
The convenience of ordering a ride with a few taps on your smartphone has made these services a common transportation choice for millions. From late-night commutes to spontaneous outings, they offer a flexible and affordable transportation option.
In 2022, Uber made over 7.5 billion trips and pocketed nearly $32 billion in revenue, marking a 20.6% year-on-year increase. Uber’s monthly user base also rose to 130 million in early 2023.
eMarketer expected about $36 billion worth of rides to be booked annually via Uber by 2023. However, this massive rise in popularity isn’t without its concerns. TorHoerman Law reveals that the rising number of sexual assault cases has sparked a significant uproar against rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. It emphasizes the critical need for enhanced safety measures.
In response, rideshare providers are leveraging new technologies to help protect customers and provide accountability. In this blog, we will delve into three next-generation safety features that are designed to prioritize your well-being during rideshare trips.
Addressing the Safety Issues
Before we look at the features, we must discuss the core issue, passenger safety, especially women’s safety.
In recent years, incidents of harassment involving rideshare passengers have grabbed headlines, with Uber sexual assault cases sparking public outcry and demanding stronger safety measures. According to CNN, Uber received nearly 6,000 reports of sexual assault in the US between 2017 and 2018. In 2020, Uber revealed that this number reduced to about 3,800. However, the reports did include 141 rape cases.
Similarly, Lyft recorded over, 4150 cases of sexual assault from 2017 to 2019. These reports contained over 350 incidents of rape and 10 deaths due to physical altercations. Such cases have highlighted the need for innovative solutions to prevent and address potential risks, fostering a safer rideshare experience for everyone.
Riding Into the Future
Thankfully, technology is stepping up to the plate, offering promising solutions to these safety concerns. Here are 3 next-generation features poised to revolutionize rideshare safety:
In-App Emergency Buttons
Feeling uneasy or unsafe during a ride? Most major rideshare apps now include emergency buttons in their interfaces. These allow you to contact 911, share your trip details, and send your real-time location to expedite emergency response.
Uber’s emergency button is linked to the Uber Safety Line, staffed 24/7 to get you help. Lyft partners with ADT security services, which confirm your safety through video chat when the button is tapped. Some services will even contact your emergency contacts.
The goal is to provide riders with an easy way to get emergency assistance, even if their phone is locked or no mobile signal is available. Knowing help is one tap away can give peace of mind during concerning situations.
In-App Audio/Video Recording
Uber now permits audio & video recording during trips as an optional safety feature. It allows you to inconspicuously record rides if passengers wish to do so.
As of now, Uber is the only app that supports this feature. Launched in December 2021 in a selected few cities of Louisville, Kansas City, and Raleigh-Durham, this feature allows passengers and drivers to record the entire ride. The audio file is encrypted and stored on the recorder’s device. The recordings will also be shared with Uber along with the safety reports.
Having the ability to document concerning behavior or incidents functions as a deterrent – drivers are less inclined to act inappropriately knowing they can be recorded. And if issues do occur, you have evidence to provide to authorities.
Some privacy advocates argue recording crosses an ethical line. But others counter that as rideshare passengers, you should have the right to document your trip however you see fit. Recordings empower self-protection and enhanced accountability.
Just be sure to only enable recording where legally permitted, and notify your driver if choosing to record rides. Overt recording devices can also be used. But discreet in-app recording gives you greater control.
AI-Powered Safety Features
Remember those sci-fi movies where AI assistants keep you safe and informed? Well, rideshare apps are bringing a touch of that future to your everyday travel.
Uber uses machine learning to analyze trip data and flag unusual routes or stops that may indicate safety issues. Lyft applies predictive analytics to identify any dangerous driving behaviors. And apps like Noonlight use technology similar to AI to detect crashes or cries for help during rides. If the AI detects suspicious activity, such as sudden detours or erratic driving, it immediately contacts emergency services.
Furthermore, AI also allows rideshare companies to continuously monitor trips and identify concerning behavior. While these features are still evolving, they hold immense potential to make a rideshare even safer.
Remember, AI is a tool, and responsible implementation is key. Look for rideshare companies that prioritize data privacy and user control, always putting your safety first, always.
In the ever-evolving landscape of rideshare safety, innovation is the key to addressing pressing concerns.
While technology alone cannot guarantee foolproof safety, innovations like emergency buttons, ride recordings, and AI monitoring are steering ridesharing in a more secure direction. As these features continue evolving, the responsibility lies on companies to ensure ethical, privacy-focused implementation. With riders also remaining vigilant and speaking up about concerns, the future of rideshare safety looks bright.
Though the road ahead still requires awareness and diligence, emerging tech creates accountability, giving passengers greater confidence in trusting these services for convenient, comfortable transportation.
