One of the expectations that comes with getting a ride from an Uber driver is that they will be following all traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits. However, that is not always the case, as some Uber drivers have been seen holding the wheel with one hand and their cell phone in the other hand for directions. In an effort to promote safer driving habits for its drivers, Uber has announced a new software rollout which will send daily reports of a driver’s driving patterns back to the company, will remind drivers to take a break before getting drowsy, and will send drivers a message which reminds them not to hold their phone in their hands while driving.
While Uber has said the measurements won’t be used to penalize drivers, the metrics do track activities that are often seen in some of the lowest rated drivers. “To get the measurements, Uber will track the movement of the phones’ gyrometers and accelerometers to assess the speed and movement of the phone. This raises some privacy questions, especially as Uber still categorizes its workers as independent contractors, rather than employees,” Karis Hustard wrote for ChicagoInno.
While the program will run for two months in only 11 cities across the United States, the company says that it will evaluate after that and decide if it wants to expand elsewhere.
UBER AND DRUNK DRIVING
As we gear up for the end of summer, which is infamous for drunk driving accidents, Uber ran a poll of its users across the country to see how the service interacts with intoxicated driving. 95% of respondents said that Uber helps reduce drunk driving in the community, and an additional 84% said that Uber allowed them personally to avoid drinking and driving. “We’ve seen again and again that when people have a reliable way to get home safely at the push of a button — no matter the time or place —they make safer choices,” Uber wrote on its website.
If you feel there is even a slight chance you might not be in the right condition to drive, calling a public transportation service such as Uber may save your life and the lives of others. Additionally, if you have been in an auto accident caused by a driver who was impaired or distracted at the time of the accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will fight to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.