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You can use Uber's new safety feature with just a touch of a button

Uber launches rider safety program
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The ride sharing service Uber has launched new safety features to help protect riders.

The company made the announcement six months ago and the new program is now active in several cities nation wide.

It gives authorities a leg up in finding riders in trouble.

Passengers who tap the emergency button give first responders access to their locations and provides officials with details about the car and driver.

Police say this helps them respond faster and more accurately, but they can't track people who don't use the button.

Another privacy feature of the emergency button is location information has a time limit.

It's automatically deleted ten minutes after first responders receive it.