When an Uber driver gets accused of behaving badly, the story inevitably ends up making national news. But no matter what the alleged offense, Uber has repeatedly used the same statement to assure the public it's trying to improve.
Uber requires background checks for all of its drivers, but the ridesharing company has been accused in many of the places it operates of not being thorough enough.
"Safety is our #1 priority," or some version of that, has made its way into numerous reports about drivers doing everything from sexually assaulting passengers to attacking them with hammers.
1. When an Orlando Uber driver was accused of putting his hand inside a passenger's blouse after picking her up at a bar.
Uber said: "Rider safety is Uber's No. 1 priority. We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with utmost urgency and care."
2. When a San Francisco Uber driver attacked a passenger with a hammer.
Uber said: "Safety is Uber's #1 priority. We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and care."
3. When a San Francisco Uber driver had a seizure and hit a pedestrian.
Uber said: "Safety is Uber's [#]1 priority and we are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and care."
4. When a D.C. Uber driver was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger he'd picked up outside a nightclub.
Uber said: "Rider safety is Uber's #1 priority. We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and care."
5. When an Alabama Uber driver was found with marijuana and an open bottle of vodka in his car, in addition to a suspended license.
Uber said: "Safety is Uber's #1 priority. The driver's account has been immediately deactivated as is our policy following any serious allegation. We stand ready to assist authorities in any investigation."
6. When an Atlanta Uber driver pulled a gun on a valet attendant and threatened to kill him.
Uber said: "Safety is Uber's #1 priority. We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with the utmost urgency. As a matter of policy, unless expressly permitted by law, driver partners are not allowed to carry weapons on a trip."
7. When a Seattle driver, who police ultimately discovered did not work for Uber, was accused of raping a passenger.
Uber said: "Rider safety is Uber's #1 priority. We take reports like this seriously and are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and care. We stand ready to assist authorities in any investigation, but have not yet been contacted directly with regard to an incident in Seattle."
8. When a D.C. Uber driver was accused of trying to evade a taxi inspector while passengers were in his car, then dropping them off on an exit ramp.
Uber said: "Rider safety is our #1 priority. We will cooperate with authorities in their investigation and have deactivated the driver pending the outcome."
Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.