A woman in Adelaide, Australia, has spoken out about a terrifying incident that unfolded during a recent Uber trip. The passenger, 26-year-old Tayla Pimlott, alleges her driver began masturbating while stuck in traffic.
Adelaide Woman Endures Nightmarish Uber Ride
Pimlott described the journey as initially unremarkable. However, the mood shifted dramatically when the car became caught in congestion. It was during this time, she claims, that the driver exhibited inappropriate behaviour. “I was trying to be polite and avoid conversation,” she recounted, “but then I noticed him fidgeting in his seat. I glanced over and… I just couldn’t believe it.”
Fear gripped the passenger as she realised the driver was masturbating. “I was frozen in shock,” she said in a statement to Yahoo News. “Honestly, I feared the worst. I thought I might be attacked, even raped.” She opted against confronting the driver directly. “I didn’t know how he might react,” she explained.
“I just wanted to get out of the car as safely and quickly as possible.” She opted to endure the ride in silence, feigning ignorance of the driver’s actions. “I held back tears the whole time,” she said. “It was the longest ride of my life.”
Swift Action Taken By Uber
Finally reaching her destination, Pimlott exited the vehicle and immediately reported the incident to Uber. The company acted swiftly, deactivating the driver’s account permanently.
“The safety of our riders and drivers is our top priority,” a spokesperson for Uber stated. “What this woman experienced is completely unacceptable and has no place on our platform. We have taken immediate action to remove the driver permanently from the app.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of passenger safety in ride-hailing services. While Uber offers features like trip sharing and emergency buttons, this incident highlights the potential dangers that can still exist.
The traumatized passenger is urging other women to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings during Uber rides. “Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels wrong,” she advised. “Report any inappropriate behaviour immediately.”
Uber has also reiterated its commitment to passenger safety. The company is constantly reviewing and improving its safety protocols to ensure a secure travel experience for all riders.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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