New IL law requires ride sharing apps to do background checks

ILLINOIS (KFVS) - A new law was signed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner on Tuesday that will change the way some ride sharing companies find new drivers by requiring them to do full background checks after applying.

Before the change, the law didn't require ride sharing companies to take someone's social security number or date of birth. Now, state lawmakers like State Senator Daniel Biss say they have the same standards as other transportation companies.

The two biggest ride sharing companies, Uber and Lyft, already perform full background checks on applicants for drivers. However, as this kind of service has become more common, more companies that might not perform a background check have been formed.

Stile Seymens drives Uber in and around the Carbondale area and said becoming a driver wasn't a very complicated process where he first started in Los Angeles about a year ago.

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"They did an inspection," he said, "They checked to see if my signal lights would turn on - my break lights, my emergency blinkers, and that was pretty much it."

He did say they performed a background check as well.

We spoke to some riders who say they normally feel safe when using a ride sharing app, however some women we spoke to say they felt a little uneasy when using these services. However, everyone we spoke with said they feel better knowing the person driving them has had a background check.

"Well me, as a girl, I feel more vulnerable with a man that I do not know," said Paige Otto of Carbondale.

And Ian Lynett of Herrin feels the same way about his girlfriend taking an ride.

"You know, like if my girl was to break down and get an Uber, I feel safer knowing that the guy or girl driving them has a background check," he said.

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