Uber has launched a new safety feature involving the app playing an audio reminder about wearing a seatbelt.
The ride-hailing service has said that users will also get a notification reminding them — in what they say is an industry first for the UK.
The move follows Uber beginning to offer Black Cab journeys in London and show emissions savings for their rides.
Andrew Brem, 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.”
Uber has also recently been in the news with private hire drivers reportedly refusing to drop passengers off within Hammersmith and Fulham’s clean air zones.
Despite this, the company has said it is committed to a vision of a greener London and, with this new seatbelt function, a safer one.
“The introduction of these notifications is just the latest example of Uber’s extensive investment in technology to create the safest possible experience for riders and drivers,” a spokesman added.
Uber has also launched features such as RideCheck, Safety Toolkit, Verify My Trip, and phone number anonymisation.
Roads minister 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.”
Uber was founded in 2009 and has grown into one of the largest transportation network companies in the world.
