As personal safety is increasingly under threat, a recent incident in Chicago sparked a heated debate about the right to bear arms, particularly for those working in high-risk professions such as ridesharing.
This story underscores the importance of self-defense and the potential consequences of company policies that may inadvertently put employees at risk.
Uber and Lyft, the two leading rideshare companies, have stringent policies prohibiting drivers and passengers from carrying firearms while using their platforms.
This rule applies even in regions where it is legal for licensed gun owners to carry firearms in public. The rationale behind this policy is to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
However, a recent incident in Chicago has brought these policies under scrutiny.
“Criminals see rideshare and delivery workers as sitting ducks, susceptible to carjackings, robberies, and assaults,” said Bryant Greening, an attorney and co-founder of Chicago-based law firm LegalRideshare. https://t.co/h94DJy5lpL
— LegalRideshare – Injury Lawyers (@LegalRideshare) June 12, 2022
In the early hours of the morning, a 26-year-old rideshare driver found himself in a life-threatening situation.
After dropping off a passenger on South Millard Avenue, he was approached by two individuals, a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, who announced a robbery. The male assailant seized the driver’s cell phone and fired shots as they attempted to flee the scene.
Despite the company’s policy, the driver, a licensed concealed carry holder, had a firearm with him. He returned fire, striking the male robber in the leg and grazing the female accomplice’s arm.
Miraculously, the driver escaped unscathed.
Chicago police are warning rideshare drivers of an increase in robbery-related incidents that have occurred so far this month in Chicago Lawn. https://t.co/wm0VVuUXkT
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) April 5, 2022
This incident has ignited a conversation about the right to bear arms, especially for those working in risky professions like ridesharing.
It raises questions about whether company policies should override an individual’s right to protect themselves, particularly when their job puts them in potentially dangerous situations.
Unfortunately, not all rideshare drivers have been as fortunate as the one in this story. Earlier this year, another driver in Chicago lost his life in a drive-by shooting. Had he been allowed to carry a firearm for protection, perhaps the outcome would have been different.
While the intention behind Uber and Lyft’s no-firearms policy is to ensure safety, it may inadvertently leave drivers vulnerable.
