Another report of sexual assault by an Uber driver has come to light. Vv Magazine has the details on the incident and tips on how to stay safe.
While riding in an Uber we’ve requested, we’ve all thought it – male or female – whose car are we in? Sometimes overanalyzing the tiny profile picture before the driver arrives or while in the car, feeling uneasy and praying that they just shut up and drive.
Unfortunately, for a 19-year-old Toronto-based woman, the uneasy feeling turned into a real life nightmare after she was sexually assaulted by her Uber driver shortly before 1:00 am on December 10th. The Uber driver in question, 38-year-old Orjon Leska of Toronto, is being charged with one count of sexual assault and is scheduled to appear in court on January 16th.
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In a statement to CP24, the ridesharing app said, “No young woman deserves to experience what has been described and reported to police. We will continue to work with the Toronto Police Service to fully support their investigation, and the driver has been barred from accessing the Uber app.”
But what’s scary is that this isn’t the first claim of sexual assault or harassment against the ridesharing company and its drivers. Just earlier this year, a Toronto-woman was propositioned for oral sex in exchange for payment by her Uber Driver after her phone died during a ride.
So what is Uber doing to protect their riders? Aside from cooperating with the Toronto Police Service, implementing a “rigorous screening process” which includes background checks with the RCMP and local police, and blacklisting drivers in question from the Uber app, Susie Heath, a spokesperson for Uber Canada, tells us they’ve worked with law enforcement agencies to help build a series of tips for consumers.
Tips include sitting in the back seat so you can easily exit the car in case of emergency, following your intuition, planning ahead by letting family & friends know where you are, giving Uber feedback and being respectful in your driver’s car.
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The need for these tips isn’t very comforting but they are important to remember. Ride safe.
RELATED LINK: TTC Sexual Assault Figures Reveal Alarming Truth
Do you think Uber could be doing more to protect their riders? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.