By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new safety toolkit has been launched by Uber for its millions of riders, drivers and delivery-partners across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The toolkit comprises Safety Centre, Trusted Contacts, Share Trip, emergency assistance button and customisable speed alerts.
A statement issued by the taxi services company explained that this development is mainly to raise the bar on safety, and increase transparency, accountability and peace of mind for all users.
Since launching the app, Uber has provided millions of people with technology that allows them to get a ride at the push of a button, track every trip with GPS technology and report any issues 24/7 with a dedicated safety team. With the introduction of new safety features, the company aims to double down on safety and help make the Uber community safer.
Features that will be introduced as part of the new rider and driver safety toolkit include emergency button, making users connect directly to private emergency services and security response when needed through a third party private security supplier.
Also, the toolkit has trusted contacts that allow riders easily designate five friends or family members as “trusted contacts” and, with a single tap, share their trip information which are easily customisable in their trip sharing preferences.
In addition, there is the safety centre, which is a new app-housed safety information hub where users can find information on some of the key existing safety tools in the app, including our 24/7 team, information on the driver and the car, trip GPS-tracking and our rating and feedback system.
Another feature is the speed alerts, which remind drivers and delivery partners to maintain a safe speed within the posted speed limits.
Uber said these new safety features will be a phased rollout, not all riders, drivers and delivery partners will have access to the features immediately.
“With more than 15 million trips on the Uber app every day, there is nothing more important than the safety of riders, drivers and couriers. Over the last year we’ve been working to develop innovative products that increase transparency, accountability and peace of mind for all users.
“The rollout of our new Safety Toolkit features across Europe, Middle East and Africa is the next step in making sure that we’re helping everyone stay safe and connected, wherever you might be,” says Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Global Head of Safety Product.
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has made safety a top priority for 2018. Since joining the company, he has introduced a number of changes including Injury Protection cover for driver’s, delivery-partners and riders, driving hour limits and Driver Share my Trip.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Adedapo Adesanya