Uber to Debut Audio Seat Belt Reminders in Canada

Uber is launching a new safety feature aimed at increasing seat belt usage among riders. Starting tomorrow, July 16, 2024, audio seat belt reminders will be introduced across Canada to encourage passengers to buckle up, the company told iPhone in Canada in a statement.

According to Transport Canada data, Uber says 300 lives could be saved every year if everyone wore seat belts. Proper seat belt use can reduce the risk of death in a collision by 47% and serious injury by 52%. Despite these statistics, 45% of Uber riders admit they don’t always wear seat belts.

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

• Audio Reminder: Shortly after a trip begins, an audio message stating “Please use your seat belt for your safety” will play on the driver’s phone. You can listen to the audio message here according to the link Uber sent us.
• Push Notification: riders will receive a push notification on their phones reminding them to buckle up. This will show up in the app and on your device’s lock screen. Check out the images below from Uber:

• Frequency: This seat belt feature will activate on a rider’s first trip after the launch and subsequently on every 10th trip.

“Our message is simple—no matter where you’re seated in the vehicle, you always need to buckle up. Whether you are going a few blocks, a few kilometres or a long distance trip, your seat belt must be worn at all times. Using Uber’s technology to remind riders to buckle up, we hope to increase seat belt use and potentially save lives,” said an Uber spokesperson to iPhone in Canada in a statement.

Uber drivers say riders not wearing seat belts is a common reason for rating riders less than five stars. “We want to help protect both drivers and riders on the road,” said Uber.