Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced major safety-related changes coming to Uber.
In a blog post, Khosrowshahi outlined the changes, saying he is "committed" to putting safety at the core of everything they do.
New features include:
- Safety Center - Riders will have a place in the app where they can learn about key safety information, such as law enforcement tips, driver screening processes, insurance protections and community guidelines.
- Trusted Contacts - Up to five friends and family members can be designated as trusted contacts. Riders can share trip details with them during every ride.
- 911 Assistance - The app will soon include a new emergency button that will connect riders with 911.
- Strengthening driver screening - Uber will proactively rerun criminal and motor vehicle checks every year and invest in technology that rapidly identifies new criminal offenses.
In addition to the new features, Uber will expand its Safety Advisory Board and brought on Jeh Johnson, the former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, as its first board chairman.
"When it comes to safety, Uber is ready to move forward," Khosrowshahi said.
