What Is Uber's Safety Toolkit?

When you request a ride through Uber, safety features now appear with your driver’s ETA. From sharing your trip to discreetly contacting 911, Uber claims its safety toolkit helps riders feel protected. But for survivors of sexual assault in rideshare vehicles, the question isn’t just whether those tools exist—it’s whether they work when needed.

Uber safety tools are designed to give riders more control during a trip. In theory, that should reduce the risk of harm. In practice, rideshare assault survivors often say the response came too late or didn’t come at all.

Talk with a rideshare sexual assault attorney today. Your consultation is confidential and free. Connect online or call us at (415) 426-3000 to reach a trauma-informed attorney who understands what you're going through.

Understanding Uber Safety Tools

Uber added new safety features after a wave of high-profile lawsuits and news reports. Riders had reported sexual assault, stalking, and physical violence. Uber responded by rolling out a set of in-app tools meant to show a stronger commitment to passenger safety.

Today, Uber safety tools include:

• Trip sharing with friends or family;
• Emergency assistance, including direct 911 contact;
• Real-time location tracking;
• RideCheck, which detects unexpected stops or possible crashes; and
• Uber audio recording, available in some regions.

These features appear under the shield icon during a ride. Riders can open the menu to activate any of the listed tools. But having options in an app doesn’t always translate into protection, especially when those tools fail or when drivers exploit system gaps.

What Is the Uber Safety Toolkit?

The Uber safety toolkit is a collection of in-app features designed to help riders feel safer and respond more quickly during uncomfortable or dangerous situations. According to Uber, the goal is to give users immediate access to help, with minimal disruption during the ride.

But what is the Uber safety toolkit in real-world use? For many survivors, it hasn’t prevented harm. Some reported being assaulted mid-ride before they could unlock their phone or find the right feature. Others said the app froze or failed to connect to emergency services. When riders are already in danger, they can’t always rely on a digital menu to respond fast enough.

In some cases, Uber’s internal safety review process has also failed survivors. Riders have filed lawsuits alleging the company delayed action, didn’t ban the driver, or failed to report assaults to police.

Uber Audio Recording: What It Does and Where It Falls Short

Uber audio recording is one of the company’s more recent safety tools. It allows riders and drivers to record the trip within the app, with both parties notified when it begins. Uber says it cannot listen to recordings unless a safety report is submitted.

While this feature offers a layer of accountability, riders have raised concerns about who controls the recording, how long it’s stored, and whether Uber takes action when serious behavior is captured. Some survivors say they reported incidents only to be told there wasn’t enough evidence, even when audio was available.

The availability of Uber audio recording also varies by state. In places where two-party consent is required for recording, the feature may not be supported at all.

Safety features shouldn’t be a substitute for real accountability. When Uber fails to protect riders or respond to reports of assault, survivors carry the consequences. Levin Simes stands with those who have been harmed by rideshare drivers and silenced by company inaction.

Call (415) 426-3000 for a free, confidential consultation with an attorney who takes your experience seriously.

Sexual Assault Survivors Still Face Obstacles

The Uber safety toolkit can offer peace of mind for some riders, but it hasn’t stopped rideshare sexual assault. A safety button doesn’t prevent a driver from locking the doors. A recording tool doesn’t guarantee action from the company. For those harmed by Uber drivers, the toolkit often feels like a public relations measure, not a solution.

In its latest U.S. Safety Report, Uber disclosed thousands of sexual assault incidents reported by riders over a two-year span. Many involved drivers who passed background checks and had no prior complaints. Survivors continue to speak out, not only about what happened in the vehicle, but about Uber’s failure to respond with urgency, respect, or accountability.

Talk to an Attorney Who Understands Rideshare Assault Cases

Levin Simes represents survivors of Uber sexual assault across the country. We investigate company negligence, safety failures, and repeated patterns of harm that put riders at risk. As a women-led firm, we understand how trauma affects survivors and how hard it can be to come forward.

You deserve to be heard. Contact us for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation today. Call (415) 426-3000 or send a message through our secure form. We’re here to listen and fight for accountability.