After Uber driver's killing, family pushes for stronger rideshare safety laws in North Carolina

The family of a North Carolina rideshare driver who was killed while working is renewing its push for stronger safety protections for drivers and greater accountability from rideshare companies.

Emmanuel Gbedee was shot and killed while driving for Uber in 2025. He was 57.

On Tuesday, members of his family appeared at the North Carolina General Assembly, urging lawmakers to strengthen rideshare safety laws and advance measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

The family sat in the front row of a legislative hearing, keeping Gbedee's memory at the center of the discussion. Imani Maatuka, a spokesperson for the Gbedee family, read their statement. 

“Everything he did, he did for his family," Maatuka said. 

Gbedee was found dead inside his vehicle in Benson in 2025. Investigators said he picked up 18-year-old Tray'vian Brown, who was later charged in connection with his murder.

Family members and advocates said the case highlights what they believe are gaps in rideshare safety policies and protections for drivers.

“We are standing here today because of him, because he deserved better, because every driver behind the wheel of a rideshare vehicle tonight deserves better," Maatuka said.

The family has also filed a lawsuit against Uber. According to the complaint, Gbedee's death could have been prevented. The lawsuit alleges the company minimized background checks, vehicle checks, and driver oversight in an effort to expand its network of drivers.

During Tuesday's appearance at the legislature, the family said they want lawmakers to consider changes.

“We are calling on lawmakers to strengthen protections for rideshare drivers. Ride-share companies operating in this state must be held to the highest enforceable safety standards," Maatuka said.

North Carolina lawmakers say discussions are already underway.

Rep. Zack Hawkins, D-Durham, said lawmakers are considering several proposals, including mandatory reporting requirements for rideshare companies, the creation of advisory boards focused on rideshare safety and incentives to encourage the use of in-vehicle camera footage.

“The full intent is for this to be a bipartisan effort, because, again, the last time we really looked at this is when rideshare started to become more popular," he said.

On Tuesday, Democratic state lawmakers said the hope is to devise a bill for 2027.

Uber provided WRAL News with a statement on Tuesday.

"Uber is deeply committed to the safety of drivers," the company's statement reads. "We continuously invest in new technology and features designed to help improve safety, such as in-app audio recording, access to live safety agents, and rider verification measures.

"We know there is always more work to do, and we remain focused on strengthening protections and improving the experience for everyone on the platform."

According to Uber's website, the company has implemented numerous safety features, including PIN verification for riders, real-time location sharing and in-app recording tools for drivers.

Still, Gbedee's family argues that existing measures do not go far enough to protect drivers from violent incidents.

“We are here for every driver still on the road, and we will keep showing up until the companies are held accountable,” Maatuka said.