Uber upgrades driver's app with focus on road safety

Moneycontrol BureauCab aggregator Uber has announced a series of new safety features in the driver’s app, aimed at predicting, preventing and reducing the number of crashes on the road. These features will be rolled out for drivers in Bengaluru over the next few weeks and then extended to other cities where Uber operates. 

Some of the new features to improve rider and driver safety include messages in the driver app informing them that mounting their phone on the dashboard is safer than holding the phone in their hands. The app will also alert the driver about speed of the vehicle, besides reminding them to take a break when they need it. 

Dorothy Chou, Head of Safety for Public Policy, Uber, said, “We believe that technologies like Uber provide an incredible opportunity to improve road safety in new and innovative ways—before, during and after every ride. While alcohol is the leading cause of traffic crashes, there are other behaviours that can put people at risk, including distracted and unsafe driving. Today, we are announcing new features in the driver app to help reduce these risks going forward."