Written By Lyft, the ride-sharing giant, is facing increased pressure from investors to enhance safety measures for its drivers. A group of investors, including asset management firm Arjuna Capital and public pension fund Illinois State Board of Investment, recently sent a letter to Lyft’s board of directors calling for additional safety measures to be implemented to protect drivers.
The letter comes amid growing concern over the safety of ride-sharing drivers, who are often subjected to verbal and physical assaults from passengers. According to a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ride-share drivers face a higher risk of fatal accidents than other workers.
In the letter, the investors called on Lyft to provide its drivers with better training and support, including access to mental health resources and training in de-escalation techniques. The investors also urged Lyft to improve its driver background check process and to install cameras in all vehicles to deter and document any incidents of violence.
Lyft has responded to the investors’ concerns, stating that it has already implemented several safety measures to protect its drivers. In a statement, the company said that it provides comprehensive insurance coverage, offers in-app safety features such as emergency assistance and driver identification verification, and works closely with law enforcement to investigate any incidents of violence.
However, the investors believe that more needs to be done. In a statement, Arjuna Capital’s Managing Partner Natasha Lamb stated, “We believe that Lyft can do more to protect the safety and well-being of its drivers, and we urge the company to take action to address the concerns raised in our letter.”
Lyft is not the only ride-sharing company facing pressure to improve driver safety. Uber has also been criticized for failing to adequately protect its drivers from violence and harassment. In response, Uber has implemented several new safety features, including a panic button for drivers to use in case of an emergency, and has announced plans to install cameras in all vehicles.
The issue of driver safety is also gaining traction among lawmakers. In California, a new law took effect in January 2020 that requires ride-sharing companies to conduct enhanced background checks on their drivers and to provide additional training in passenger safety and de-escalation techniques.
As the ride-sharing industry continues to grow and evolve, the safety and well-being of drivers must be a top priority. It is up to companies like Lyft and Uber to take proactive steps to protect their drivers and ensure that they can perform their jobs safely and without fear of violence or harassment. The pressure from investors and lawmakers may be just the push that these companies need to make meaningful changes to their safety policies and practices.
