“It refuses to do an *effective* background check on its drivers.”
Same could be said about its passengers. This weekend a drunk guy hit an Uber driver in the face with a flashlight several times, knocking him unconscious.
There have been some crimes committed by drivers AND by passengers. But not an excessively high number when compared to the millions of rides.
I don’t know if they restrict driving to citizens or, presumably, those with a legal right to work. I think that might play a bigger factor in screening potential criminals, imo.
By the way, in Houston, where I live, Uber drivers have to do an FBI fingerprint background check. This was forced on them by the liberal city council.
I think a better approach would be to provide optional vetting and allow consumers to select how strict they want the vetting to be. Match riders and drivers based on their preferences. Free market solution.
Any time we interact with people in public, there is a risk of crime.
With Uber, such criminals are VERY likely to be caught and brought to justice.
And, more significantly, no one is forcing anyone to use their service, say, like health insurance.
Again, Uber's fault.
Uber Firearms Prohibition Policy
Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and reliable ride. That's why Uber prohibits riders and drivers from carrying firearms of any kind in a vehicle while using our app.*
Anyone who violates this policy may lose access to Uber.
https://www.uber.com/legal/policies/firearms-prohibition-policy/en/