Lyft rolls out new panic button so that riders can call 911 from the app after alleged sexual assaults and student who died after getting into a fake ride-share vehicle
- Lyft is rolling out new safety features like the ability to dial 911 inside the app
- Users will also be required to leave feedback after some negative reviews, while the app will begin showing their driver's license plate number more prominently
- The move comes after a student was murdered after getting into a fake Uber car
Lyft is giving users greater control over their safety while they're headed to their destination.
The ride-share service laid out a slew of new features tied to user safety in a blog post on Tuesday.
Now, users can call 911 in the app if there's an emergency, while a new design in the app will make the driver's license plate easier to view than before.
Scroll down for video
Lyft is giving users greater control over their safety while they're headed to their destination. The firm unveiled a slew of new features tied to user safety in a blog post on Tuesday
'Lyft is relentlessly focused on finding new ways to further strengthen safety measures on our platform,' Mary Winfield, Lyft's head of trust and safety, said in a statement.
'Today, we're glad to continue building on our commitment to safety by making it easier to identify your Lyft ride, get help in an unsafe situation and ensure everyone in our community is held to the same standards.'
Lyft is following in the footsteps of Uber by introducing the panic button feature in its app.
Share this article
In the coming weeks, users will have the ability to dial 911 in the app.
It should make it easier for users to access emergency services, as they'll no longer be required to switch between apps.
They'll also be able to keep better track of their location, so as to alert authorities of their whereabouts.
Additionally, users will now be required to leave feedback if they give their driver a rating that's fewer than four out of five stars.
Lyft says it'll make it easier for the firm to take action against drivers who exhibit bad behavior.
'Feedback for drivers will be anonymously communicated to drivers in a single location found in the driver app - so they are clear on how to improve and provide the best possible experience for riders,' Lyft said.
The ride-share service also wants to help users verify their ride more quickly.
In the coming months, Lyft will start showing a driver's license plate more prominently in the app.
That way, instead of having to hunt around the driver's license plate number and potentially getting into the wrong car, it'll be displayed more clearly under their car make and name when their ride is outside.
'The best way to identify your Lyft ride is to match the license plate shown in the Lyft app with the license plate of the arriving vehicle,' the firm explained.
Lyft added that, starting later this year, it'll start making sexual harassment prevention education available to both drivers and passengers.
Many of these announcements are a direct response to some of the safety concerns that have arisen for Lyft and Uber in the past few years.
Last month, a University of South Carolina student was murdered after she got into her killer's car mistakenly believing it was her ride.
The victim, 21-year-old Samantha Josephson, was kidnapped and killed by a man who pretended to be her Uber driver.
Additionally, a report by CNN last year found that over 120 Uber and Lyft drivers have sexually assaulted riders.
Since then, Uber has launched new safety features in its app, such as a push notification informing users to make sure to check their ride before it arrives.
Lyft said on Tuesday that intends to roll out additional safety features later this year and in the future.
HOW UBER BEACON WORKS
If an Uber beacon is installed, after they've confirmed a ride request, the rider's app prompts them to choose a color.
When the driver arrives, the beacon turns that color.
Drivers can install it themselves rapidly, and remove it quickly too.
According to Uber, the beacon has a powerful battery and Bluetooth connection to the Uber driver app, and can last several evenings without charge, while keeping the dashboard area free of cables.
Grinning AOC says she WON'T stop tweeting against fellow Democrats after Nancy Pelosi tears into firebrand and her 'squad' telling Congress members: 'You got a complaint? Talk to me'
