Uber Cracks Down on Driver Background Checks
Uber is preparing to strengthen its driver background-check policies, though it hasn’t yet detailed when the changes will take effect or exactly how they’ll work. According to The New York Times, the move follows the paper’s investigation showing that Uber had allowed some drivers with felony convictions—including violent offenses—to continue driving if those convictions were more than seven years old.
Under the planned revisions, people familiar with the policy say Uber intends to permanently ban drivers convicted of violent felonies, sexual offenses, or crimes involving child or elder abuse or endangerment, no matter how long ago the offenses occurred. The company is also reassessing how it handles cases involving harassment, weapons charges, and restraining-order violations.
The shift comes amid mounting legal and political pressure over rider and driver safety. That includes a proposed ballot measure in California that would make Uber and other ride-hailing firms legally liable for sexual assaults, as well as new legislation in Virginia that tightens background-check requirements—both efforts supported by Uber.
In December, the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog warned riders that, based on the Times investigation, they might want to consider using Lyft instead. Uber maintains that 99.9% of trips occur without incident. “Safety isn’t static,” a company spokesperson said in remarks quoted by the Times, adding that Uber is continually updating its safety approach.
A recent federal jury verdict ordering Uber to pay $8.5 million to a passenger who said she was raped by a driver could also shape thousands of similar lawsuits currently pending against the company.
About Post Author
