PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., are sharing their concerns for drivers in the ride-share industry after the disappearance of a Lyft driver from Palm Beach Gardens.
Gary Levin, 74, was reported missingby family members on Tuesday after his phone was turned off and relatives were unable to get a hold of him.
WPTV spoke with Frankel on Friday.
"I think it's important for the private sector to figure out how to make it safer," she said. "We have so many people from out of town that are relying on Lyft and Uber, so there's a real need to make sure that these ride-share programs are safe."
WPTV also spoke with Scott during his roundtable in West Palm Beach.
"I mean this is a big deal. Just think what the family is thinking right now," he said. "Any company that provides these drives has to make sure they're doing everything they can to be careful about who gets in these cars. I mean it's scary. Somebody gets in your car; you don't really know them."
Most rideshare companies in Florida require drivers to maintain their own automobile insurance coverage to protect themselves and their passengers.
However, there is no requirement to ensure any security measures are installed in a vehicle to prevent robberies, carjackings or any other crime.
Uber spokesperson Austen Radcliff reached out to WPTV and provided the following statement:
While it is accurate that drivers are required to maintain their own personal insurance, Uber also maintains commercial auto liability insurance coverage on behalf of drivers while operating on the Uber app. This insurance applies regardless of whether a driver’s own personal auto insurance covers ridesharing activity. In addition, in FL, Uber independent drivers are able to opt-in to Optional Injury Protection insurance. This insurance provides first-party injury protection, including medical expenses, disability and survivorship benefits.