Murdered Wilmette Uber Driver's Family Promotes Safety Push

WILMETTE, IL — The family of a Wilmette Uber driver fatally stabbed over Memorial Day weekend is supporting a campaign to help make drivers working for ride-hailing companies safer as they do their job. The "Don't Take Your Safety For 'Grant'ed" campaign started in July and was founded in the memory of the late Grant Nelson, 34, by his family, the National Rideshare Council and the Rideshare Safety Partition, which are based in Chicago.

A 16-year-old Chicago girl was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Nelson's slaying. Prosecutors say she stole a machete and a 4-inch hunting blade from the Skokie Walmart immediately prior to hailing a ride from Nelson before stabbing him repeatedly minutes later in north suburban Lincolnwood.

According to organizers, the "Don't Take Your Safety For 'Grant'ed" campaign includes educational safety videos, annual safety awareness events (Including a fundraiser in Grant Park and a walk to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness of north suburban Cook County), public service announcements, safety grants for drivers and riders and social media. Its goal is to prevent any future tragedies and increase awareness of safety for both drivers and riders using ride-hailing apps. (Sign up for the latest breaking news alerts and daily newsletters from Wilmette, Evanston or another local community.)

Tina Nelson, Grant's mother and a member of NAMI CCNS's board, believes her son may still be alive if he had been using a removable plastic partition.

"We would really hope that it would be able to prevent anything else happening to another driver, she told WBBM.

On Sunday, Sept. 24, a 5k Run/Walk to benefit NAMI CCNS is scheduled to begin at Clark Street Beach in Evanston. This year's event is dedicated Grant Nelson's memory.

» Find out more from National Alliance on Mental Illness - Cook County North Suburban

Promotional video for the "Rideshare Safety Partition."

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_{Top photo: Grant Nelson | via Chicago Jewish Funerals}