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NC Uber Drivers Asking Tipsy Riders To 'Bop It'

By Peter R | Update Date: Jan 29, 2016 12:10 PM EST

Uber drivers in Charlotte, North Carolina have found a playful way to keep drunk drivers in check.

CNET reports Uber's use of Bop It Toy to keep tipsy riders distracted during the ride. The move is part of many efforts that the company is associated with it to ensure safety of drivers and their riders. Drivers in Seattle have reportedly installed passenger mirrors behind driver seats to make riders conscious in the hope they would watch their behavior.

"It's why Uber is always on the lookout for new ways-from the simple to the sophisticated-to do better. If you use the Uber app in Charlotte, North Carolina you might find a Bop It toy in the back of your driver's car. Folks there have found it's a great way to keep drunk riders entertained so they don't distract their driver," Uber said in a blog post.

Driver safety became a subject of debate after video of a Miami woman attacking an Uber driver went viral. The woman, Anjali Ramkissoon, was filmed hitting the driver and damaging his car. Ramkissoon later apologized for the incident saying she was having a bad day.

Uber is also working to improve rider safety by curbing speed-driving. Its latest move is to use the phone of the driver for the job.

"Gyrometers in phones can measure small movements, while GPS and accelerometers show how often a vehicle starts and stops, as well as its overall speed. If a rider complains that a driver accelerated too fast and broke too hard, we can review that trip using data," the company said.

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