It might seem like common sense, but did you know Uber and Lyft drivers can refuse giving parents with small children rides if they don't have a car seat?
The issue is a concern among Boise's ride-sharing community, both drivers and riders.
Bob, who didn't want to show his face on camera, has been driving for Uber for the past 10 months.
"It’s not a taxing job and it gives you a lot of flexibility so I enjoy it," says Bob.
Bob says he has picked up multiple riders with young children - all who bring a car seat.
He says if they didn't, he would refuse the ride.
"If they get in trouble or something happens then it’s my responsibility," says Bob.
In some places like New York City, riders have the choice to request an Uber with a car seat for an extra $10, but there's no such option in Boise.
So, what are you supposed to do if you need a lift to, say, the airport, and you have small children?
"Regardless of who provides one, Idaho requires that a ride-sharing service such as Uber or a taxi is required to transport children in a child safety restraint, so whether the parents bring them or the Uber or taxi operator has one available, they are required to use one when transporting," says Cpl. Daniel Brennan with Idaho State Police.
Carryrying around a car seat, or multiple car seats may not be ideal but if you don't, your driver could be slapped with a $79 fine.
Or worse: It could be the difference between life and death.
"Children can’t make the decision to protect themselves in a car - they don't have that mental capacity - so therefore it’s the adults in their lives that are required to take that extra step to keep them safe while on the road," Cpl. Brennan said.
