Uber has announced the nationwide launch of two features designed to improve the safety of drivers: rider verification and the ability to record video and audio during trips with their smartphones. Both features have been tested in pilot programs and will now be made available in all 50 states, the company said in a Tuesday (Sept. 17) blog post. The rider verification feature will go live nationwide Wednesday (Sept. 18), according to the post. It will enable drivers to see a new "Verified" rider badge for r ...