Uber has introduced a new safety feature where the app plays an audible reminder to fasten your seatbelt.
The ride-sharing service has announced that users will also receive a reminder notification – an industry first in the UK, the service says.
This move follows Uber’s launch of black cab rides in London, which report the emissions savings of the rides.
Andrew Brem, Uber’s General Manager for the UK, said: “With millions of journeys taking place across the UK on our platform, we know we have a responsibility to make every journey as safe as possible.
“With this new safety feature, we want to encourage both drivers and passengers to buckle up every time – in every seat, on every trip.”
Uber also recently made headlines when private hire car drivers reportedly refused to drop off passengers in the Hammersmith and Fulham low emission zones.
Nevertheless, the company has stated that it is committed to the vision of a greener and, with the new seatbelt feature, safer London.
“The launch of these notifications is just the latest example of Uber’s extensive investment in technology to create the safest possible experience for drivers and riders,” a spokesperson added.
Uber has also introduced features such as RideCheck, Safety Toolkit, Verify My Trip and phone number anonymization.
Transport Minister Guy Opperman said: “Wearing a seatbelt is a simple action that can save lives. With our new THINK! campaign, we hope to reduce the number of deaths and injuries by making wearing a seatbelt second nature.”
“Features like this go a long way in raising awareness of the campaign and encouraging passengers to protect themselves by buckling up.”
Founded in 2009, Uber has grown into one of the largest transportation network companies in the world.
