Tallahassee residents react after rider jumps out of Uber during alleged kidnapping
September 24, 2018
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- "You don't know these people, and they don't know you. You're basically putting your trust into them to get you home safely."
Sean Giovannillo is one of many Tallahassee residents now on edge after a recent incident involving an Uber driver. Sean explained that he knows there are some checks in place when it comes to screening, but he’s hopeful in the future there will be something more extensive.
More than 19 thousand people drive for Uber. There are more than 75 million riders; and many are asking if the company is doing enough to protect them.
"Anything that Uber can do to just keep people safe is important," Sean said.
Safety now lingering in the minds of many days after police say a woman jumped from the back of an Uber driver’s car. The victim alleges the driver refused to take her home.
"That's scary," said Dominique Ross.
The driver, 30-year-old Destiny Green, reportedly suffers from mental health issues. Dominique said hearing about what happened isn't the worst part; it's the idea that a simple screening might have been able to keep her from being a driver in the first place.
"I want to make sure I’m going to get to where I’m going to safely. I don't want to have to question the person that's driving me," Dominique said.
According to Uber’s website, the company does require a background check, but it's for driving and criminal records.
“I think I would feel a little safer if I knew that the person is mentally stable to drive me; especially if I was intoxicated, or not in the right mental capacity to take myself home," said one resident.
Uber released a statement in response to the incident:
"What this rider reported is deeply troubling. We have removed the driver from the app, and stand ready to support a police investigation."
Uber's screening process includes checks for:
• How many driving violations you have had in the past
• Whether or not you have any violent or sexual criminal offenses
• How old you are
• How long you've had your driver's license
