Uber Introduces ‘Verified’ Rider Badges and Trip Recording to Enhance Driver Safety in the U.S.

Uber is taking significant steps to improve driver safety in the United States with new features that will give drivers more control and peace of mind while on the job. Starting this week, Uber drivers will begin seeing "Verified" badges on customer profiles, indicating that these riders have undergone extra verification steps. This new system is designed to enhance trust and security during rides, helping drivers feel safer when picking up passengers.

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The decision to implement these changes comes after Uber's recent safety report, covering 2021-22, highlighted some concerning statistics. In the report, 31% of sexual assault incidents were reported by drivers about riders, while 68% of the incidents involved riders reporting issues with drivers. These alarming figures pushed Uber to find new ways to protect everyone involved in the ride-hailing experience.

Uber has been testing this "Verified" badge feature in several cities across the country since earlier this year. The initial results have been promising, with the majority of riders in these cities completing the additional verification process. As a result, drivers filed fewer complaints about these verified riders, making the platform safer and more comfortable for drivers.

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Another key safety measure Uber is rolling out is the ability for drivers to record trips using their smartphone's front camera. This means drivers won’t have to invest in expensive dashcams to feel secure during rides. The recording feature will allow drivers to capture both video and audio of the trip, and all footage will be securely encrypted and stored on the driver's device. This content will only be accessible if the driver sends it to Uber for a safety review. Drivers and Uber will not have access to the recordings unless a serious incident is reported.

This new recording option not only enhances driver safety but also provides an added layer of protection for riders, ensuring that every trip is monitored fairly and securely. Uber’s goal is to strike a balance between protecting both drivers and passengers, while maintaining privacy and fairness.

In an effort to give drivers even more control over their work environment, Uber is also piloting a new feature that allows drivers to block riders they’ve rated poorly. If a driver rates a rider 2 or 3 stars, they can choose to block them from future rides. This feature builds on Uber's existing policy of automatically unmatching drivers from riders rated with 1 star, offering drivers greater flexibility in deciding who they feel safe picking up.

In addition to these safety updates, Uber has already taken action to prevent misuse of its platform. The company has blocked approximately 15,000 rider accounts with fake names, removing potentially problematic users from the system. By keeping the platform transparent and holding both drivers and riders accountable, Uber hopes to create a safer experience for everyone involved.

These new features are part of Uber’s broader commitment to driver safety, as it continues to evolve its platform based on real-time feedback from both drivers and riders. With the launch of "Verified" rider badges, smartphone trip recording, and rider-blocking capabilities, Uber aims to set a new standard in the ride-hailing industry, offering more security, transparency, and control for its drivers across the U.S.

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