In the past years, ride-sharing apps have exploded in use and popularity. However, with the influx of this technology, ride-sharing apps have created a perfect environment for sexual predators to prey on unassuming individuals. This comprehensive guide discusses the prevalence of sexual assault in rideshare apps, lawsuits and legal action against major ride-sharing platforms, and safety measures that Lyft and Uber passengers can take to avoid unwanted sexual contact.
Why does Rideshare Sexual Assault Happen?
Ride-sharing has become a very popular and safe way to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you become more vulnerable to sexual assault by a rideshare driver or by a sexual predator posing as a rideshare driver.
Although rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber screen their applicants’ criminal histories and driving records, the screening process does not adequately eliminate all sexual predators. Furthermore, some drivers do not receive adequate training about sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. Additionally, most rideshare companies have failed to implement essential safety protocols that are used by taxi drivers, such as passenger dividers and cameras. This has unfortunately led to reports of rape and sexual assault by drivers of rideshare companies in recent years. However, in some scenarios, the drivers can also be victims of false accusations. In that case, you should get in touch with the defense attorneys. Check the URL for more information.
In a 2019 news story by National Public Radio, a new report showed that Uber received almost 6,000 assault claims in the prior two years. In its first safety report update released in early December 2019, Uber noted that it had reports of 3,045 sexual assaults, 9 murders, and 58 crashes in rides in the United States in 2018. The reported victims included both passengers and drivers. Also, the reported numbers are probably lower than the actual numbers because victims often don’t report sexual assaults.
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