Judges have not had to deal with this issue yet, but I think that it will be a hot topic issue, especially with the fact that UBER is back in Broward. Modern technology is allowing great things, but one issue is the ridesharing debate that the parent who is not exercising their time sharing may not know their ex-spouse is using UBER to transport their minor child. ~Mark Sawicki
Did you know that parents are using Uber to pick their kids up from school/playgrounds/daily activities? This fact is starting to get more attention now that news of nefarious Uber drivers has hit the mainstream. The illusion of security that comes with technology surrounds the ill informed. People are unaware that an Uber driver is more of a risk than a taxi cab because the background check used for an Uber driver is not as thorough as that of a cab driver. Uber does not fingerprint their drivers and they lack the proper insurance for transporting minors. GPS tracking can be spoofed and an Uber driver could cause harm to your child without your knowledge. The demand for a ride service for busy parents is such a hot issue that alternative services fully insured to transport children have started to appear.
How would I find out if my ex-spouse is using Uber with my children?
- Simply asking could net you the answers to your questions, also asking your child if your ex spouse is using Uber to shuttle your kids around is an alternate means to finding out if they are using Uber. Another route would be to contact Uber in regards to your ex-spouses Uber account to verify if your child has been transported on their account.
Is Uber really that dangerous for a child to be riding alone?
- It is against the law for an Uber driver to transport anyone under the age of 18 without an accompanying adult. This is because they do not have the insurance to cover the liability of transporting minors. Until Uber steps up and pays for the proper insurance, it is dangerous to allow your child to be transported in an Uber by themselves.
What are some alternative options to using Uber?
- Because ridesharing is such a desirable service, companies like Shuddle and other ridesharing services insured to transport minors have started to appear. These services are well and good, but the reality is that it’s a parent’s responsibility to shuttle their children from activity to activity. School buses have existed to get children home from school and it is understandable for parents to utilize a similar resource for the sake of time and convenience. There has to be a line drawn at some point for parents lacking the initiative to be part of their children’s lives.
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Making sure your children are safe is the job of both parents, no matter if they are together or not. If one parent subverts the other by using dangerous services like Uber to shuttle their kids from daily activities, there is a breakdown of safety and your child may be at risk. Do not take such an arrangement lightly. A parent has a responsibility and an obligation to make sure their children are safe, and when they use a remote service like Uber to pick up their children, they are giving that responsibility to a completely foreign person.