Uber releases panic button for passengers who feel unsafe

  • Panic button was developed to help protect passengers from sexual harassment
  • So far the feature has only been made available to customers in America
  • Future plans include also allowing drivers to emit an alert if they feel threatened

Uber passengers who feel threatened by their driver can now alert emergency services at the swipe of a button in a new feature introduced by the ride sharing app.

The ‘panic button’ was developed to help protect passengers from sexual harassment and assault, but so far has only been made available to commuters in America.

Future plans include making the distress signal an accessible feature for Australian riders, and also to allow drivers to emit an alert if they feel threatened by a passenger, Yahoo7 reported. 

Uber passengers who feel threatened by their driver can now alert emergency services at the swipe of a button in a new feature introduced by the ride sharing app (stock photo) 

The ‘panic button’ is located in a new section on the ride share app called the ‘safety centre’ and when swiped, immediately dials 911.

Some cities in the US are also trialing a feature that makes the exact location of the vehicle available to emergency services once the panic button has been swiped.

While Uber Australia said safety was ‘essential’ in its practices, the new security measure was yet to be released to customers Down Under. 

The 'panic button' is located in a new section on the ride share app called the 'safety centre' and when swiped, immediately dials 911 (stock photo)

The ‘panic button’ is located in a new section on the ride share app called the ‘safety centre’ and when swiped, immediately dials 911 (stock photo)

‘We expect to expand this feature to more countries and will keep you posted on local details in the near future,’ a spokeswoman said in a statement.

Uber’s chief legal officer Tony West said the company had also recently introduced a feature allowing passengers to share live details of their journey with ‘five trusted contacts’.

Sydney Uber driver, Muhammad Naveed, raped a 22-year-old drunk female passenger after she fell asleep in the back of his car in October 2015.  

Muhammad Naveed (pictured) raped a 22-year-old drunk female passenger after she fell asleep in the back of his car in October 2015

Muhammad Naveed (pictured) raped a 22-year-old drunk female passenger after she fell asleep in the back of his car in October 2015

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