SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Whether you're riding or driving with Uber, Hoosiers can now text 911 during their trips with the ride-sharing app.
"In an emergency, every second counts," Sachin Kansal, Uber's Head of Safety Products, said. "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."
Uber's in-app emergency button is housed inside of the 'Safety Toolkit' section.
When rider or drivers go to use the button, the 911 features automatically populated a text messages with you're current location and the vehicle's information.
Here 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:"
911 dispatchers will be able to stay in communication with the person until law enforcement makes contact.
"We are always exploring ways to help make travel safer," Kansal said. "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."
This feature is only available in certain locations throughout the country, but is available statewide in Indiana.
