DALLAS — If you use Uber to get around in North Texas, you may have already noticed a new feature being tested on the app. It's aimed at keeping riders and drivers safe during trips.
Dallas is one of the newer U.S. cities to test out the "Record My Ride" feature. It allows Uber drivers in the city to record video and audio during trips using their front-facing camera, so they don't have to buy a separate dashcam.
The recording will start shortly before the driver's trip begins and ends after the trip is completed.
While it's being tested, riders will get a notification in the app if they're matched with a driver using the feature.
So, what happens with the video after the ride?
Uber says the file will be encrypted and immediately stored on the driver's phone, but no one can watch it. Not even the company.
The only way it can be seen is if the driver submits a safety report to Uber and attaches it. The file would then be decrypted for a trained safety agent to review.
But if that doesn't happen within a week of the ride, the video file is deleted.
The company has been testing the feature out in some cities across the U.S. and different countries since last year. So far, it's drivers have said they feel safer while working and the company says it's been able to resolve issues more quickly and fairly.
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