But we are living in different times.
Ridesharing has grown in popularity across the nation since Uber made its way through San Francisco in 2009 – now operating in more than 633 cities across the world. Lyft, also based out of San Francisco, came onto the scene in 2012 and currently operates in more than 300 U.S. cities and reportedly provides more than 1 million rides a day.
While ridesharing companies like Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar do have regulations and requirements for drivers – as of today – they still don’t face the same strict regulations adhered to by taxi or limousine service companies. And fewer regulations can mean a higher risk of danger.
Whosdrivingyou.org is a public awareness campaign about the risks involved with ridesharing and the group updates its website with articles revolving around ridesharing passengers being harmed and criminal offenders behind the wheel.
One such incident involves an Uber driver who was arrested in Denver after he shot his passenger dead, according to an article published by the New York Post.
According to the article, 29-year-old Michael Andre Hancock shot and killed his 45-year-old passenger, Hyun Kim, on Friday. Hancock is currently being held without bail in the Denver County Jail until former charges are filed.
“According to a Denver Police probable cause affidavit, on Friday morning a man later identified as Hancock told a motorist on the side of a highway that he had just shot a rider who tried to attack him,” the article reads. “Police said they removed a semi-automatic pistol from Hancock’s waistband, and later recovered 10 spent 40-caliber cartridges on the shoulder of the highway. Hancock was arrested, but police did not provide further details.”
In another recent ridesharing incident, two people are in custody and Atlanta police are searching for two others after a Lyft Driver was robbed and carjacked on May 31.
Whenever traveling, safety should be of utmost importance. Here’s a few things to consider before hopping into that next rideshare vehicle:
- Most ridesharing service companies don’t follow specific guidelines or regulations like taxi or limousine services, which adhere to city regulations.
- Not all drivers have suitable insurance coverage if something were to happen and there’s no guarantee the driver’s insurance company or the ride-sharing service will pay for damages.
- A driver never knows the type of person about to get into the back seat.
- A passenger has limited information on the driver.
- Most ridesharing companies require minimal information before hiring someone. Most drivers fill out an application through an app or online, but are never fingerprinted, met in person, or subjected to a law enforcement background check before being hired.
For all of your travel needs, call Exclusive Taxi and Car Service at 732-350-8294, or visit us on the web at www.exclusivetaxiandcarservice.com