Uber Introduces New Safety Feature for Passengers
Uber has launched a new safety feature for users of the Uber app. The initiative is the first of its kind in the industry in the UK. Uber also launched other new safety features such as Safety Toolkit and protecting passenger phone numbers.
What is the new feature?
Passengers using the Uber app will now receive an audio alert to remind them to buckle up and wear a seatbelt. They will also receive push notifications on their phone throughout the trip.
Uber stated that drivers may also be issued a reminder at the start of a trip.
Andrew Brehm, Uber’s UK General Manager, said –
“With millions of trips taking place on our platform across the UK, we know we have a responsibility to make every trip as safe as possible. With this new safety feature, we want to encourage both drivers and riders to buckle up every time – every seat and every ride.”
Why is wearing a seatbelt important?
Estimates show that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death in a collision by 50%. This means people not buckled in are twice as likely to be killed in a crash.
In 2020, about 25% of people who died in a car were not wearing a seatbelt, according to government data.
If you crash at 30mph, a passenger sitting behind you not wearing a seatbelt will hit your front seat with a force of between 30-60 times their own body weight.
In 2021, the Department for Transport conducted a study of seatbelt use among drivers.
The study found that individuals who died between 8pm and 6am were almost 40% more likely to not wear a seatbelt. Those can be some of the busiest hours for private hire drivers.
Fines for not wearing a seatbelt
According to DfT statistics, 91.6% of private hire drivers wear a seatbelt.
Driving without a seatbelt whilst not working could result in a £100 on-the -spot-fine if caught. This increases up to £500 if the matter goes to court. You could also receive three points on your driving licence.
While working, if you’re carrying a child from ages 3-12, or under 4ft.5ins, you are responsible for ensuring the correct restraints or seatbelts are used. If you’re caught not following the guidelines, you could be fined up to £500.
Adult passengers are responsible for their seatbelts. (Note – an adult passenger is 14 or over.) They can still be issued a £500 fine if caught and receive two penalty points, despite not being in the driver’s seat.
Conclusion
Uber is committed to safeguarding driver and passenger safety, and with these new rules they hope to ensure the ongoing safety of all road users.
Minister for Roads Guy Opperman said
“Wearing a seatbelt is a simple step which can save lives and through our new THINK! campaign, we’re hoping to drive down deaths and injuries by making clicking in your belt second nature.
“Features like this are a vital part of raising awareness of the campaign and encouraging passengers to stay safe by belting up.”
So buckle up, and keep yourself and your passengers safe by wearing a seatbelt.
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