‘It’s Not Safe To Drive In London,’ Says Uber Driver Who Survived Gun Blast + What Authorities Can Do To Ensure Drivers’ Safety

Just when you think you are totally safe when taking a ride via Uber, you don’t know what’s happening at the end of your driver.

A recent report on the British online newspaper The Independent recounted how an Uber driver in London was left traumatized after a gun blast almost killed him while working on the road. He is telling the world it is “not safe to drive in London.”

Gun blast

Safdar Khan, a 49-year-old Uber driver in the British capital, was making a drop-off in Hendon, located northwest of London, when a gang ambushed his passenger, leaving two gunshots fired at his front and his passenger’s side window. Sounds like a scene from Kevin Kwan’s “China Rich Girlfriend,” right?

Cornered in a dead end, Khan was able to duck and speed off nonetheless, but the glass shattered directly into his eyes, leaving him hurt and traumatized.

“It was so scary,” he told the media “These guys were hiding in wait and popped out. It felt wrong my passenger told me to step on it. I had to try and turn on my car while they were getting closer… All of a sudden it was ‘bang, bang’ they were just five feet away.”

He recalled how there were lots of pellets sprayed, saying how “the glass shattered all over” him.

This driver, who also sidelines as a security guard, wished there was more support from Uber, which reportedly turned down his insurance claim for therapy after his doctor diagnosed him with anxiety and depression after the attack.

Uber released an official statement, adding that they were already in touch with the driver and offered him a gesture of goodwill shortly after the incident.

“Everyone at Uber was deeply shocked and concerned by this appalling incident. The safety of drivers is a top priority and we are continuing to investigate the matter, as are the police,” a spokesperson for Uber stated.

Uber’s action plan

Thus, know that Uber won’t leave drivers hanging on the road. In fact, on their official website, details about how they ensure safety are posted.

“We want you to move freely, make the most of your time, and be connected to the people and places that matter most to you,” Uber said on its page. “That’s why we’re committed to safety—from the creation of new standards to the development of technology with the aim of reducing incidents.”

However, note that it’s still a two-way gesture. You do your part as Uber does theirs. Some of the things they recommend drivers do are turning off the safety features in the Uber app, volunteering for a background check before their first trip as an Uber driver, knowing emergency contact information, accessing technologies that look out for you and insurance, and contacting its 24/7 support whenever needed.

Furthermore, Endeavour Magazines also shared how governments can reduce ridesharing accidents, such as creating driver education programs, public awareness campaigns, and driving hour limits, among others.

“It is not safe to drive in London,” Khan emphasized. “My kids don’t go to sleep knowing that I’m out there working in the night – but I have to.”