A veteran Uber driver from Southern California has become a strong advocate for rideshare safety after enduring a harrowing assault that left him with serious injuries. Peter McNulty, 70, shared his disturbing experience with LA News Center, hoping to raise awareness about the potential dangers drivers face.
A Night That Turned Nightmarish
On a Saturday night, McNulty, who often travels from the Antelope Valley to Los Angeles on weekends due to higher demand, picked up a passenger on Lankershim Boulevard. The man, described as a Hispanic in his mid-to-late 20s, seemed anxious to reach his destination.
However, as they approached the man’s destination at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, a dispute arose. “He kept insisting on going to a different address,” McNulty recounted. “I told him that was where we were, but he wouldn’t listen.”
The situation escalated as the man refused to leave the vehicle. Eventually, McNulty drove to the San Fernando Valley and notified his girlfriend about the incident. Despite attempting to reach a police station, he found it closed and had no choice but to hail a police officer on the street.
Injuries and Concerns
The violent encounter left McNulty with a broken tooth, facial injuries, and lacerations to his forearm. While he suffered physical pain, McNulty expressed greater concern for the safety of other rideshare drivers.
“It’s getting more dangerous out there,” he warned. “This could have happened to anyone who picked this person up. It’s a wake-up call that we need to be prepared and protect ourselves.”
Industry-Wide Problem
McNulty emphasized that rideshare safety issues are not isolated to Los Angeles. “It’s happening everywhere,” he said. “Drivers need to be mindful and take precautions regardless of their location.”
The incident has prompted him to share his story widely to alert rideshare companies and authorities to the risks drivers face. He urges companies to implement stricter passenger screening and support systems, while calling on law enforcement to take incidents like his seriously.
Call to Action
McNulty’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by those providing transportation services. As the demand for rideshare services continues to grow, it is imperative that industry leaders and policymakers work together to enhance safety measures and ensure the well-being of drivers.
By sharing his story and advocating for change, McNulty hopes to contribute to a safer environment for all rideshare drivers, preventing others from enduring similar traumatic experiences.
