S. Falls Uber Driver Concerned about New in-App Recording Feature

Ride-share platforms like Uber have had an increased presence in Sioux Falls for some time now. But just like anything in life, there are always some concerns, especially when it comes to the safety of both the passenger and the ride-share driver.

Uber recently addressed the issue of safety concerns by introducing an in-app audio recording feature that is designed to report any incidents that might occur during a ride-share experience.

As Dakota News Now reports, the new app is easy to use, once you get inside the vehicle of the Uber driver, you can start the recording process with a simple tap.

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Andi Pimentel Dunn, product manager at Uber told Dakota News Now, "The app allows riders and drivers to initiate a recording of their trip, with a goal to encourage more safe, more comfortable, more respectful interactions.”

However, this new safety measure does raise a few concerns with some current Uber drivers.

One driver here in Sioux Falls who wished to remain anonymous told Dakota News Now, he feels there might be too many loopholes that could be exploited, at the driver’s expense. For instance, let's say the passenger requests a song be played during the ride-share journey that might have questionable language in it, and they asked to have the song turn it up. Then they start recording and complain the driver was blaring music and want to get a free ride.”

According to Dakota News Now, once a complaint of any kind ever is filed, a member of the Uber support team immediately begins to look into the situation. The downside for the driver, they could be forced to go offline with Uber while the investigation process is being conducted. Resulting in a loss of revenue for the driver as they work with the support team to help get the matter resolved.

The Sioux Falls Uber driver told Dakota News Now that he believes every Uber driver should be required to have a dashcam installed in their vehicle to ensure any potential incident is reported properly.

Uber does have an in-app video recording pilot program underway.

Dakota News Now reports that back in 2021 Uber decided to introduce a rider verification feature for anyone using anonymous forms of payment. The new verification feature requires the passenger to upload a photo identification.

The feature also helped to prevent users who were told they could no longer use the ride-share company from just being able to come up with a new name, and a new email, to get back on board with the ride-share company.

Source: Dakota News Now

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.