Uber launches new safety feature in Raleigh

Raleigh is one of only three cities chosen for the pilot program, along with Kansas City, Mo., and Louisville, Ky.

"I think that's amazing," said Raleigh resident Olivia Fox. "I've had so many Uber drivers that have been so sketchy when I was in college and when I was in Raleigh."

Fox said she'll sign up for Uber's new audio recording safety feature – the first in-app feature that provides audio documentation of rides.

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The feature can be found by clicking the small, blue shield in the app, which is Uber's safety toolkit.

Neil Chopra, a member of Uber's safety team, said Raleigh was chosen because of how many rides are requested in the city.

"If any incident or uncomfortable situation happens, they can submit the recording as part of the safety report at Uber," said Chopra.

With the recording feature, a driver or rider in a situation could send an incident report to Uber, which then has a team look into it.

"Emails went out to all the riders and drivers in these cities to let them know this feature was available," said Chopra.

While many drivers and riders reported to WRAL News they hadn't received the notification, they said they're excited about the new feature.

"I feel like women need the extra protection," said Fox.

Chopra said drivers and riders can't access the records. Only Uber employees will be able to access the recordings, and that's only if the driver or rider submit a report.