NC Democrats Preview Rideshare Safety Legislation Following Durham Driver’s Death
Democrats announce plans for rideshare driver protections after Durham Uber driver’s 2025 killing, including mandatory incident reporting and emergency alerts.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina House Democrats announced plans Tuesday for legislation to enhance safety protections for rideshare drivers, following the 2025 killing of a Durham Uber driver during a National Gun Violence Awareness Day event.
Rep. Zach Hawkins (D-Durham) unveiled the proposal, which will not be formally introduced until the General Assembly begins its new session in January 2027. The legislation responds to the shooting death of Emmanuel Kwame Gbedee Sr., a 57-year-old Durham husband and father of four who was killed while working as an Uber driver last year.
“No one should have to risk their life simply for going to work,” said Hawkins.
Proposed Safety Measures
The proposed legislation would require rideshare companies to report incidents of assault, robbery, and carjacking to state authorities. Hawkins said he will also consider mandating stricter passenger verification systems, emergency alert tools for drivers, and state incentives for installing in-vehicle cameras.
Hawkins plans to work with law enforcement, transportation officials, and rideshare companies to refine the proposal before the January legislative session begins.
Family Demands Corporate Accountability
Imani Maatuka, lead counsel for Gbedee’s estate, read a statement on behalf of the family at Tuesday’s event demanding corporate accountability from rideshare companies.
“We are calling on lawmakers to strengthen protections for rideshare drivers,” the statement read, adding that technology companies must be held responsible for the safety of the workers on their platforms.
The family is currently suing Uber, claiming the company did not do enough to protect Gbedee. Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NC Newsline.
Renewed Push for Gun Safety Laws
Other lawmakers used Tuesday’s event to renew calls for broader gun safety legislation that has stalled under the Republican-led legislature. Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) again urged lawmakers to adopt a so-called “red flag” law.
The red flag proposal would allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from people found to pose a danger to themselves or others. Democrats also called for firearm storage laws during the National Gun Violence Awareness Day event.
The rideshare safety legislation represents a targeted response to workplace violence affecting gig economy workers, as Democrats seek to address public safety concerns through both industry-specific regulations and broader gun control measures.
