Uber launches in-app ride video recording, ambulance feature in India; Nitin Gadkari lauds road safety push
Uber India on Tuesday said it has introduced an industry-first ‘Record My Ride’ feature that allows drivers to securely save encrypted in-cab video from within the Uber app on their own phones during trips. Additionally, Uber announced that it has partnered with medical logistics provider Dial 4242 to integrate ambulance support directly into its platform.
The new launches build on Uber’s continued leadership in safety innovation in recent years, with industry-first features such as Voice Recording, Female Driver Preference, Helmet Selfie Verification and Seat Belt Reminders, as well as a range of technology-driven and human interventions designed to increase safety and accountability on every ride.
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The ‘Record My Ride’ feature improves security and privacy by allowing Uber drivers to securely record encrypted in-cab videos on their phones during their journey if they feel unsafe.
Uber’s ambulance assistance feature, offered in partnership with Dial 4242, allows passengers and drivers to quickly request medical support directly through the Uber app after an accident.
Uber aims to raise safety standards in the ride-hailing industry, believing that safety innovations should become a core expectation rather than just a differentiator.
Videos recorded using the ‘Save My Ride’ feature are encrypted and only the driver can access them when sent as part of a safety report, providing strong privacy protection.
Uber offers features like ‘Typing and Drive’, customizable ride verification PINs, RideCheck and a 24×7 Security Line to improve safety for both drivers and passengers.
The new announcements were made during Uber India’s flagship safety conference, Uber Surakshit: Safety Never Stops, held at a hotel in central Delhi on Tuesday. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by outgoing Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh.
“What feels innovative today becomes expected tomorrow. That’s exactly how security must evolve. Our belief is simple: security innovation must be the foundation of the industry, not remain a differentiator. Our industry-first security features and partnerships underscore our commitment to continually raising the bar. As expectations evolve, we hope the industry will rise to meet them,” said Sooraj Nair, Head of Security Operations, Uber India and South Asia.
A later press release stated that Uber continues to invest in partnerships and programs that promote safer mobility beyond technology. The company is proud to continue strengthening safety for drivers and creating family-friendly experiences through products such as Uber for Youth and Uber for Elderly, using its platform to spread awareness about prioritizing safety over speed, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan.
Gadkari said on the occasion, “Following traffic rules, wearing seat belts and helmets sounds simple, but it plays a huge role in reducing road accident deaths. Technology can play an important role in spreading awareness and making our roads safer. I appreciate Uber’s ongoing partnership with Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan and its efforts to introduce innovations that encourage safer road behavior and enhance support in emergency situations.”
The Minister also stated that private players in the transport sector should encourage those who comply with traffic norms. He also pointed out that the death rate in road accidents in India is alarmingly high.
New Uber Security Measures
● Save My Ride: Drivers can now securely record encrypted in-cab video using their own phones within the Uber app if they feel unsafe during the ride. The recording complies with applicable laws and remains encrypted; This means that neither the driver nor Uber will be able to access them and will only be accessible if the driver chooses to submit it as part of a safety report; This provides strong privacy protections.
● Ambulance Assistance: Uber has partnered with Dial 4242 to introduce Ambulance Assistance to help passengers and drivers quickly request medical support following an accident during a ride on the platform. This feature is available through Uber’s existing 24×7 Safety Line.
● Don’t Write and Don’t Drive: To reduce distraction, the Uber driver app will restrict manual typing functions while the vehicle is in motion, allowing drivers to safely pull over before responding to messages.
● Set Your Own PIN: Passengers can now manually customize, manage and enforce their own unique trip verification PIN, giving them full control over the trip verification process.
What feels innovative today becomes expected tomorrow. This is exactly how security needs to evolve.
Alongside these new features, Uber continues to introduce a number of safety features that have helped shape expectations for the ride-hailing experience over the years. In its statement, the company stated that features such as RideCheck, 24×7 Security Line, Security Preferences, Phone and Address Anonymization continue to support passengers and drivers before, during and after each trip.
“Many of these innovations were first introduced by Uber and have since become part of what passengers increasingly expect from mobility platforms. These initiatives reinforce Uber’s commitment to improved safety through the use of technology and collaboration with experts,” the statement said.
