Langston Whitlock is a nineteen-year-old entrepreneur and the co-founder of Safetrip. Safetrip is an app that allows a person to book a ride for medical needs and emergencies. Similar to Uber, Lift, and other ridesharing apps, the Safetrip app lets users track their drivers in real time to see when the arrive. The app also allows users to rate their drivers and drivers to rate the users to “ensure safety and quality”. The app is primarily used in Georgia, but the Safe Trip team has plans to expand their platform into other states soon.
The idea for Safetrip began from one of Langston’s personal projects. When he was twelve, he began to learn how to code and build an anonymous messaging app to find his father. When Ja’Nese Jean saw Whitlock’s talent for coding and she began to form a team to make the Safetrip app. She had been inspired by the need of those who didn’t have or couldn’t afford health care and immediate emergency help. In an interview Whitlock reflected on the process, saying, “I never thought that it would lead me to where I am today. I’ve met so many people who have pushed me to become greater and I look forward to inspiring others.” Since the app’s launch, Langston Whitlock has been named in the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/profile/langston-whitlock/?sh=8f7008167fa4
https://afrotech.com/meet-the-16-year-old-genius-behind-safetrips-technology
Safetrip seems like a great idea in the world that US health insurance barely covers a $300 ambulance ride. My own parents believe doctors should be called last and we should handle sickness and injuries ourselves just because hospitals cost a lot. The movie Taken also scares me and this app would be very helpful in a situation like in the movie where Albanian mobsters try to kidnap me.
This is an interesting idea that could be used for a lot more places than just in Georgia. This would be just an easier way for elder people to get the help they need to get to medical appointments and things like it. This is a good idea just need implemented anymore.