How Safe is Uber…Really?
CAR-SHARING INDUSTRY
New products and technology often captivate the public eye, but there is always a flipside to anything new to the market that is yet to be discovered.
In the car service industry, there is no exception which includes the well-known car sharing app Uber. There is no doubt that they have created a unique product, however their service and social responsibility attached with providing a “real world” service experience have lagged far behind. From operating illegally in many cities, to recent news worthy incidents of both passenger and driver assault or rape, many clients have continually asked me…”How safe is Uber..really?”
This is one well -publicized news story of the incident with the Taco Bell Executive riding in an Uber car. See the story below:
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/02/taco-bell-executive-out-after-alleged-assault-in-uber-car.html
UBER STRATEGY AND GAME PLAN
Uber’s strategy is very simple: Bull -headed market entry and disruption supported by infinite financial resources that use marketing, lobbying and fanatical customer base social media support .
In many instances, Uber has steamrolled into many cities and operated outside of any legal oversight, and in some cases in spite of city issued cease and desist orders.
When things get really ugly for them, they rely on their status as a third party technology company to buy them immunity from any liability. For a car service to default to technology company during questioning is quite disconcerting. Along with a very talented public relations team and corporate smooth talk that would make Donald Trump blush, they evade a full court press. Any question of liability safety precautions and responsibility, are ultimately made null by this nonchalant strategy, and Uber continues to do what they do best—generate revenue. Up until recently, this has worked for them. But the tide is changing and recent incidents have forced many to ask what is really going on behind the scenes to ensure my ride is safe?
DUE DILIGENCE
This is where a lot of potential Uber users balk at tapping that button. Is Uber really doing their due diligence? Do they know who is driving me? Most established, legitimate car service companies must have drivers undergo a thorough in person hard copy “live scan fingerprint” background check of their drivers. This ensures that the person applying for background check is indeed the one being scanned. It’s kind of a no brainer you would think, but Uber’s policies are very flawed to say the least. In addition, all drivers must undergo a pre- employment drug urinalysis test as well as ongoing random drug tests throughout their time of employment. By law, all companies registered as Livery service providers with the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must screen drivers based upon the most recent copy of their CA DMV H-6. This informs the employer of any infractions on the prospective employees driving record within the past 6-7 years. On top of that, they must sign up with CA DMV Driver Pull notice program. This sends an automated notice to the employer if their driver has been involved or convicted of any moving violations in their own personal vehicle or while off duty. Most legitimate limo companies will also use FBI modeled psychological/ personality profile test as well as situational interview techniques to further select from a potential pool of applicants before hiring a new trainee.
I can tell you that as a second generation small car service owner, my standards for potential candidates are very high. Based upon city, local and common sense guideline, I will not hire anyone convicted of certain crimes. I will also not hire any applicants, with more than two points on their H6 DMV record, a DUI or a major vehicular accident that resulted in significant injury or death. I will also issue them a multiple choice personality test and sit down and talk with them, asking a series of pointed and purposeful answers. I will also speak with their previous employers before moving on to the next phase of employment selection and new hire training.
While this may be seen as excessive, our passengers demand the best in service. And we differentiate ourselves as bringing the best in class to every ride, and to ensure safety of the customers.