"This video is horrifying, and we are taking action. We've banned the driver and are in contact with the police and will assist them with any investigation," Uber Support responded under the video.
The passenger, a girl whose identity has been withheld, can be seen in the backseat passed out. The driver pulled over on a street and got into the backseat with her and that's when a Good Samaritan walked up to the car with his camera recording.
The driver gets out as the concerned man questions him about what is going on. The culprit is seen getting back to the front seat as the man keeps a safe distance from him.
However, to the horror of viewers, the driver gets away with the girl still inside the car. Fortunately, the car registration number is caught on video which helps the car service and authorities track down the guy.
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Personalised car services are life savers, especially during the nightlife. They help us feel safe that we will get home with our lives and possessions intact. However, there is a risk that can never be totally eliminated from ridesharing.
Although clients can ask the driver to stop whenever they wish, they are not in control of the car. It puts a passenger in a captive audience situation that they may not be able to easily flee immediately.
On February 11 2023, HelpingSurvivors released an article on car services assault statistics saying that there are five common assaults associated with ridesharing which include, kissing a non-sexual body part, kissing a sexual body part, touching a sexual body part, attempted sexual penetration, and sexual penetration.
While authorities and responsible parties work to make this experience safer, here are some precautions to observe when catching a night ride.
Don't trust the driver to take care of a compromised friend
Have someone go with that friend or keep them somewhere safe until you can all leave together.
Don't catch a ride when you're exhausted
If you appear exhausted or tired this may make you look like an easy target. On the other hand, you may sleep off which may put you in a much worse state.
Have a designated driver for the night
Instead of ridesharing, have a friend or someone you trust drive you. You can buy fuel as well where you would have paid for the car service.
Trust is a huge element when it comes to ridesharing and most times it is safe. There are isolated incidents of real danger but we can try to ensure our safety and that of our loved ones as much as possible.
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