In-app recording, ambulance support: Uber unveils new safety features in India

Uber has expanded its safety toolkit in India with a new set of features aimed at improving protection for both riders and drivers, including an in-app video recording option for drivers, ambulance support during emergencies and safeguards against distracted driving.

The latest updates are designed to strengthen safety before, during and after trips, while giving users more control over how they respond to emergencies and verify rides. The company says the additions build on a series of safety products it has introduced over the past few years, as ride-hailing platforms increasingly rely on technology to reduce risks and improve accountability.

New features focus on emergencies, verification and driver protection

Among the biggest additions is Record My Ride, which allows drivers to use their own smartphones to record encrypted in-cabin video directly through the Uber app if they feel unsafe during a trip. According to the company, the recordings remain encrypted at all times, meaning they cannot be viewed by either the driver or Uber unless the driver voluntarily submits the footage as part of a safety report. Uber said the feature has been designed to comply with applicable laws while maintaining user privacy.

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The company has also introduced Ambulance Assistance through a partnership with medical logistics provider Dial 4242. Available via Uber's existing 24x7 Safety Line, the feature is intended to help riders and drivers quickly request ambulance services if an accident occurs during a trip.

To reduce the risks associated with distracted driving, Uber is adding a Don't Type & Drive function to its driver app. When a vehicle is moving, drivers will no longer be able to manually type responses within the app and will instead be prompted to stop safely before interacting with messages.

Another update gives riders greater control over trip verification. Through Set Your Own PIN, users can create and manage their own verification PIN, allowing them to decide when a PIN is required before a journey can begin.

Uber says safety should become an industry standard

Commenting on the launch, Sooraj Nair, Head of Safety Operations for Uber India and South Asia, said the company wants safety innovations to become standard across the ride-hailing industry rather than remain exclusive features.

"What feels innovative today becomes expected tomorrow. That's exactly how safety should evolve. Our belief is simple: safety innovation should become the industry's baseline, not remain a differentiator. Our industry-first safety features and partnerships highlight our commitment to continually raise the bar. As expectations evolve, we hope the industry will rise up to meet them."

The launch also received support from Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who highlighted the importance of combining responsible road behaviour with technology-led interventions.

"Following traffic rules, wearing seat belts and helmets, sound simple but play a big role in reducing fatalities in road accidents. Technology can play an important role in spreading awareness and making our roads safer. I appreciate Uber's continued partnership on Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan and its efforts to introduce innovations that promote safer road behaviour and improve support during emergencies."

The newly announced tools join a broader portfolio of safety features already available on the platform, including RideCheck, a 24x7 Safety Line, safety preferences, phone and address anonymisation, audio recording, women rider preference, helmet selfie verification and seatbelt reminders. Uber noted that several of these features were introduced by the company before becoming more widely adopted across the ride-hailing industry.

Beyond product development, Uber has also been working with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan to promote road safety awareness. The company has additionally introduced services tailored for specific groups, including Uber for Teens and Uber for Seniors, as part of its broader effort to make mobility safer and more accessible.