Uber’s introduction of a five-star vehicle use policy for its Australian driver partners has been praised by independent vehicle safety authority the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
The policy, which applies from October 1, requires all drivers who sign up to the Uber Australia rides platform to drive a vehicle which holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
“This is a strong, responsible policy decision to improve the safety of all who use our roads,” ANCAP chief executive James Goodwin says.
“Ride-share services are a modern convenience. For some, it is their primary means of travel but for others it’s their workplace, so providing everyone with a safe environment is important.
James Goodwin
“Five-star safety is now the expected standard among car buyers, and we should expect the same high standard whenever we use a car as a mobility service,” Goodwin says.
“This should be the benchmark for others in the ride-share, car-share and taxi industry to follow.”
The introduction of this policy sees Uber Australia join a wide range of major corporations, governments, service providers and businesses which have adopted five-star vehicle purchase and use policies in recent years.
“These policies have had a positive effect on the new vehicle market and subsequent safety of the Australian registered vehicle fleet with the share of five-star rated vehicles sold rising from 48% in 2012 to 92% today,” Goodwin adds.
Drivers can check the ANCAP safety rating of their vehicles at www.ancap.com.au/safer-rides or visit
www.uber.com/en-AU/drive/resources/vehicle-safety/ for more information.
