Uber is rolling out a new safety feature to promote seat belt usage among its riders in Canada. Starting July 16, 2024, audio seat belt reminders will be implemented to encourage passengers to buckle up, with the goal of potentially saving lives.

According to Transport Canada data, proper seat belt use can significantly reduce the risk of death in a collision by 47% and serious injury by 52%. Despite these statistics, 45% of Uber riders admit to not always wearing their seat belts.

Here’s how the Uber seat belt safety reminder works:

• Audio Reminder: A message will play on the driver’s phone shortly after the trip starts, reminding passengers to use their seat belts for safety.
• Push Notification: Riders will receive a push notification on their phones, appearing in the app and on the lock screen as a reminder to buckle up.

This feature will activate on a rider’s first trip post-launch and then every 10th trip thereafter. The aim is to instill the importance of wearing a seat belt regardless of the distance traveled or seating position in the vehicle.

In a statement to iPhone in Canada, an Uber spokesperson emphasized the necessity of always wearing a seat belt while riding in an Uber vehicle. The company hopes that by leveraging technology to remind riders about seat belt usage, they can increase compliance and potentially save lives.

Uber drivers often cite passengers not wearing seat belts as a common reason for rating them below five stars. By prioritizing safety through initiatives like this one, Uber aims to safeguard both drivers and riders while on the road.