Uber will check in with riders and drivers if something seems … off

Uber announced a slew of new safety features.

The biggest change is a system called "Ride Check."

Uber says it's an extension of the GPS system that tracks riders and drivers within the app – only now, it will be able to detect possible crashes and abnormalities such as unusually long waits. Uber's safety line. The Uber's safety line.

Uber says it is a "flag trip irregularities beyond crashes that might, in some rare cases, indicate an increased safety risk."

It is a proactive system designed to minimize the risk of fatalities.

The security changes were announced Wednesday at a New York press event Marking CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's first anniversary with the company. Khosrowshahi, who has been caught up in the wake of repeated scandals and fears about Uber's freewheeling approach to local regulations, with the following: background checks.

"Today, we are raising the bar on safety by unveiling new features that will help us protect our customers," said Khosrowshahi said in a statement.

Other features Uber introduced on their handsets, including voice commands to allow for hands-free pickups and communication with customers. Uber says drivers can "can accept trips and communicate with customers using just their voice."

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Uber is also expanding in Washington, Boston and San Diego. The company says riders and drivers can call 911 directly through the app, and will do so. Uber says drivers, too, will get access to the emergency button.

Another tweak will alter the digital data trail Instead of having access to users 'pickup and drop-off locations, Uber says, drivers will now see customers' general pickup and drop-off areas in their trip logs – rather than actual addresses.

"[W]"Uber said," further information is needed in the past, "said Uber said.

(Washington Post Owner Jeffrey P. Bezos was an early investor in Uber.)