Uber to test audio recording safety feature in the U.S

FILE PHOTO: An Uber pick-up location is pictured in San Diego, California, September 30, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

(Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc on Thursday said it will launch an optional audio recording pilot program in three U.S. cities to enhance safety, allowing drivers and riders to send trip recordings to Uber in case of a safety incident.

Uber at the end of 2019 disclosed it had received 6,000 reports of sexual assault and 107 road fatalities related to 2.3 billion U.S. trips in 2017 and 2018. The recording feature is intended to provide drivers and riders with added security if they feel uncomfortable and allow users to submit proof of how a situation unfolded, Uber said.