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Uber’s newest security characteristic audibly reminds passengers to put on their seatbelt.
First teased in December, the ride-hailing service launched a brand new cell alert system this week, nudging US prospects to buckle up for everybody’s safety.
Uber late final yr introduced the upcoming launch of a “proactive” audio seatbelt reminder. The alert comes from the driving force’s telephone, with an accompanying push notification to the rider’s handset. “We consider this new characteristic … will enhance seat belt use and assist drivers guarantee a protected setting whereas on a visit,” Uber’s VP of Product Administration, Sachin Kansal, mentioned on the time.
In accordance with the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA), carrying a seatbelt is among the handiest methods individuals can defend themselves throughout a crash. And whereas most People declare to buckle up, a 2017 examine by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) concluded a majority of adults do not hassle utilizing the back-seat belt whereas touring by way of a ride-hailing service.
“We’re actually centered on delivering the correct message on the proper second,” Kristin Smith, Uber head of worldwide street security coverage, instructed CNET. “And we expect [the start of the trip]’s the correct second to get individuals within the behavior of buckling up and remembering that irrespective of how far you are going, irrespective of the place you are sitting within the automobile, you need to be carrying your seatbelt.”
Whereas there will not be a particular penalty for passengers who do not buckle up, Uber will collect suggestions from drivers and riders to trace the effectiveness of its notifications. The corporate didn’t instantly reply to PCMag’s request for remark.
