Riders and Drivers in Los Angeles and throughout LA County will now be able to text 911 from Uber’s in-app emergency button.
This new feature will be part of the 911 Assistance button housed inside Uber’s Safety Toolkit. Riders and drivers will be able to choose between texting or calling 911 should they need emergency assistance while on an Uber trip.
“In an emergency, every second counts. This new addition to the app will allow Uber users to reach out to 911 in situations where they may not be able to make a phone call,” said Sachin Kansal, Uber’s Head of Safety Products.
When used, the text to 911 feature populates an SMS text message to 911 with key trip details including locations and vehicle information. Uber product managers consulted with 911 dispatchers to determine which information to include in an initial text message to 911. Below is a sample initial text message:
• I am taking a trip with Uber. White Toyota Prius ABC1234. My Current location is 1562 Poblano Street. My intended destination is 1455 Market St. My emergency is:
Riders and drivers will be able to include additional information about their emergency before sending a text message to 911 dispatchers. Dispatchers will be able to stay in communication with the person who reached out until law enforcement makes contact.
“We are always exploring ways to help make travel safer,” said Kansal. “We are piloting this feature in Los Angeles, Minnesota, and Indiana, and look forward to expanding it in all areas where text to 911 is available.”
According to the FCC, text to 911 is only available in certain locations. In LA County, all but two cities (Bell and Bell Gardens) are able to receive text to 911.
Submitted by Trent Hodson
