Uber’s New Policy- The Risk for Youth
Parents typically warn their kids about “stranger danger” when they are young, and most would likely not send their young kids off alone in a taxi. However, Uber recently announced that they are lowering the age limit for solo riders, which means that a child as young as 13 can now ride in an Uber alone. This wouldn’t be that big of a deal if it wasn’t for the many security issues Uber has been accused of in recent years. A recent USA Today article revealed that Uber was sued for 550 reported sexual assault and attack claims and, in 2020, the company reported 141 incidents of rape and 998 incidents of sexual assault (Livesay). Even though parents can approve of teenagers riding alone, the risk of danger is increasing and parents may not even be aware. With children as young as 13 now permitted to ride in Ubers alone, it is imperative that Uber enhances the verification and background check standards for drivers to ensure the safety of all riders.
Other than the fear of violence or sexual assault, car accidents are another significant risk factor when it comes to the use of Uber. Data gathered by the WCTL publication revealed that there were 101 deaths connected to Uber in 2020. Now, as Lyft also has issues with car accidents, their policy still requires a confirmed adult with the child (WCTL). In reality, we do not know if a driver is under the influence of drugs, has been drinking alcohol, or what they had been doing moments before picking you up. For example, an article by Sarah Doiron revealed that an Uber driver was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol when driving two passengers on New Year’s Day in 2022. The driver, Carlos Cordova, was pulled over by the cops on the road, and his breath sample revealed that his BAC was .228- almost three times the legal limit. Imagine how those passengers felt, realizing their “verified” Uber driver was under the influence of alcohol. They could have easily made the numbers of deaths connected to Uber go up. How does that make you feel? At their core, Uber drivers are strangers, driving to make an income, not to look after your full well-being and safety.
The ease of becoming an Uber driver complicates the current possibility for 13 to 17-year-olds to use Uber safely. “It’s easy to get started,” as stated on the Uber platform online. All anyone has to do to become an Uber driver is: sign up, describe your car, copies of license, a little background check, and lastly to “get the app and go” (Uber). Anyone who wants to be an Uber driver should be required to have an interview, and a thorough background check in person.
Some may argue that subways in cities like NYC are much unsafer, but that is not true. Subways are safer because the conductor can not interact with you, and there is the constant presence of other people, staff, and surveillance. In addition, The Hidden Traffic Safety Solution: Public Transportation, reveals that using public transportation is 10 times safer than cars and it reduces the risk of injury to 90%; proving that subways are much safer and more efficient than Ubers.
Since a lot of information and knowledge can be faked online, it is vital for Uber to make sure that Uber can verify the drivers. In June 2023, the article, “Experts warn that thieves are targeting your driver’s license for personal information”, put light on the recent issue of thieves stealing people’s driving licenses. Chris Riley, a man from Reading, Berks County, got his license stolen online. He received a 1099 form claiming he owed taxes from a $1,700 made income from Uber. As he tried to contact Uber about how someone was using his identity and license, he was distraught to find out they did not have a fraud department (Chad Pradelli ). How does this make you feel that thieves could be your driver? Your kid’s driver.
Lastly, before Uber allows unaccompanied children into their cars, they should make recording every trip mandatory. Just like in any other workspace with customers and employers, there should always be a videotape incase of incidents and for the safety of both the driver and the passenger. Imagine you were in an accident, but your driver claims false accusations. You want proof of what happened. You need it.
While Uber says the app and drivers are safe, how do we accept that with all the incidents reported about Uber? Uber claims to care for the well being of their people, but then why is their next step to allow kids to use it? To make more money. Even though their early 2023 earnings showed high revenue, the company has low profits due to heavy investments in expansion, price competition, and drivers incentives (Team TBH.) Not many people know about how Uber needs to make more money, but now they know, this should change your perception of Uber. Allowing minors aged 13 to 17 to ride in Ubers opens up not only a new market, but also, a competitive advantage; Lyft, their main competitor in the United States, requires the passenger to be 18+.
Overall, kids should not be used as a profit gain; and if they are, then Uber should be able to accommodate their safety. Since there are so many issues with the safety of using Uber, we should think about whether we want the younger generation to be in these vehicles. Always remember the line, “Stranger Danger” and stay safe.
Works Cited:
Chipilska, Ilina. “Is Public Transportation Safer than Individual Transport?” Modeshift, 16 Aug. 2023, www.modeshift.com/is-public-transportation-safer-than-individual-transport/#:~:text=Owning%20a%20car%20and%20making,people%2C%20surveillance%2C%20and%20staff.
Doiron, Sarah. “Police: Uber Driver Charged with DUI While Bringing 2 People Home on New Year’s Day.” WPRI.Com, WPRI.com, 5 Jan. 2022, www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/police-uber-driver-charged-with-dui-while-bringing-2-people-home-on-new-years-day/.
Driver Requirements in the USA | Uber, www.uber.com/us/en/drive/requirements/. Accessed 5 Oct. 2023.
Eneriz, Ashley. “Uber Driver Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide.” Investopedia, Investopedia, www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120315/how-become-uber-driver-step-step-guide.asp. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
“Experts Warn That Thieves Are Targeting Your Driver’s License for Personal Information.” 6abc Philadelphia, 9 June 2023, 6abc.com/drivers-licenses-identity-theft-uber-resource-center/13359251/.
Home — American Public Transportation Association, www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/Resources/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/APTA-Hidden-Traffic-Safety-Solution-Public-Transportation.pdf. Accessed 9 Oct. 2023.
Livesay, Jacob. “Is Uber Safe? Addressing Safety Concerns of Passengers and Drivers.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 25 Aug. 2022, www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/08/25/uber-safety-passengers/10179268002/.
“Policy Impact: Seat Belts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Jan. 2011, www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html#:~:text=Among%20drivers%20and%20front%2Dseat,of%20serious%20injury%20by%2050%25.
TBH, Team. “The Rise and Challenges of Uber: A Story of Disruption.” The Brand Hopper, 1 May 2023, thebrandhopper.com/2023/05/01/the-rise-and-challenges-of-uber-a-story-of-disruption-and-innovation/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20Uber’s%20revenue%20model%20has,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic.
“Uber Accident Facts and Statistics (2022).” West Coast Trial Lawyers, 19 May 2023, westcoasttriallawyers.com/california-uber-and-lyft-accident-lawyer/uber-accident-statistics/.
