Unfortunately, many people continue to face mistreatment simply for having a service dog with them. That was the case for a blind man in Washington who shared a video describing his experience trying to order an Uber. Visibly upset, he began the video by saying, “Oh my God,” as he explained what happened. While waiting for his ride, the man stood with his service dog at his side. However, when the driver arrived and saw the dog, he immediately drove away. Shocked and hurt, the man looked down at his dog and said, “How he could not love you?” Shortly afterward, another car pulled up nearby, leading him to believe the Uber driver had returned. Instead, it turned out to be someone else parking. He attempted to request another Uber but was unsuccessful. With no other options, the man was forced to walk home, which caused him to miss an important appointment.
After being left stranded in Washington, the man explained that Uber later emailed him asking what had happened. According to him, the company noticed that the driver canceled the ride after seeing he had a service dog. He said he debated whether to respond because he did not want the driver to lose their job. He even considered that the driver might have had an allergy, which led him to hesitate about filing a complaint. As the video gained traction online, Uber’s official account commented on the post, apologizing for the incident and stating that they had launched an investigation into what happened.
In a follow-up video, the man shared additional details about the interaction with the Washington Uber driver. He explained that before driving away, the driver asked him if the dog with him was his. When the man answered “yes,” the driver immediately left. Even so, the man emphasized that he never wanted the driver to be fired. Instead, he said his goal was to educate the driver and help raise awareness for others with disabilities. Because of that, he made it clear in his communication with Uber that he did not want the driver to lose their job. According to the man, the company appeared to take that into consideration, later informing him that the issue had been resolved with the driver. He also learned afterward that Uber does not notify drivers about service animals until they arrive at the pickup location, not beforehand. While that may explain the driver’s reaction, the man made it clear that it still did not justify the way he was treated.
People Reacting to the Disgusting Washington Uber Driver Leaving the Blind Man
Many people were angered by the Washington Uber driver’s actions and urged the man to report the incident to the company. One person encouraged him by writing, “Please respond. That behavior is unacceptable. The driver should have gotten out and talked to you respectfully if there was a valid issue.” Another commenter echoed that sentiment, saying, “Please respond to it! If it was something like an allergy the driver could’ve at least told you!”
Others pointed out that allergies are not a valid reason to refuse service to someone with a service animal. “Allergies are not an allowable excuse to deny service to a person with a service dog,” one person stated. Another agreed, adding, “if your allergies are that bad, don’t drive strangers around… anyone could have dog hair on them.”
Others reassured the man that even if the Washington driver faced consequences, it would not be his fault. One person emphasized this by writing, “it’s not your fault if he got fired. It was his choice to just pull away. He shouldnt have done that. He could have explained why he wouldn’t take you. I’m sorry this happened to you.”
Another commenter agreed and explained how the situation could have been handled respectfully, saying, “exactly like if he was allergic he pulls up opens a window and explains I’m really sorry I can’t have you in the car I’m definitely allergic I will cancel on my end so it doesn’t charge you and I will inform uber about it something like that.”
Someone else shifted the responsibility to the company, writing, “If Ubers policy is to fire someone instead of attempting to provide training or education, that’s on Uber not on you.” Many felt the man should not feel guilty for speaking up about what happened.
