Although Uber marketed itself as one of the safest ways to travel, the data paints a different picture.
A recent New York Times investigation revealed that between 2017 and 2022, Uber received reports of sexual assault or misconduct in the United States at a staggering rate of about one every eight minutes. That amounts to more than 400,000 reported incidents, far surpassing the limited figures the company had previously made public.
According to the New York Times investigation, internal records show that Uber identified clear patterns and risk factors for these attacks, including late-night weekend rides from bars, a higher likelihood of male offenders with prior complaints, and intoxicated passengers being especially vulnerable. The company also tested safety measures like better matching algorithms, mandatory video recording, and pairing female riders with female drivers. Despite this, many of these tools were delayed, made optional, or never implemented, leaving the crisis largely unresolved.
Although Uber marketed itself as one of the safest ways to travel, the data paints a different picture. These findings underscore the serious risks that can come with rideshare services and the need for stronger safety measures to protect passengers, particularly women.
At The Dixon Firm, we understand the devastating impact sexual violence can have on survivors and their families. Our Atlanta sexual assault lawyers have successfully represented victims in some of the most heinous cases, including a UWG student who was kidnapped and raped in a Kroger parking lot due to inadequate security.
We are selective in the cases we take, focusing on those involving the most serious crimes so we can devote the full weight of our resources and experience to our clients. If you or a loved one has been raped, or if a family member was murdered while driving or riding with Uber, we encourage you to contact us. We can help you seek justice, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered.
