This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
Christmas is a time for celebration and merriment, but it's also a time when road safety becomes a top priority. With the festive season in full swing, many of us will be relying on ride-hailing services like Uber to get us to our destinations safely.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), pedestrians accounted for over 1,201 road accident fatalities in Nairobi this year alone. To address this issue, Uber has partnered with Safetyplus Consulting Limited and the NTSA to introduce trained professional marshals into high-accident prone zones.
As you hail an Uber ride this Christmas, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Check and double-check: When requesting your ride, keep an eye out for road hazards and no-stopping zones. Use the messaging feature in the app to let your driver know where you are, and ensure you are getting into the right vehicle.
- Peak time rates: Be aware that demand for Uber services rises during the festive season, which may result in increased prices. This is part of Uber's dynamic pricing strategy, which aims to balance demand and supply.
- Safety first: Use the Safety Toolkit function to access the Trusted Contacts & Share Trip feature, which allows you to share your location with friends and family. In the unlikely event of an emergency, Uber's RideCheck feature can detect anomalies and provide tools to get help.
- Road safety for all: Uber is committed to championing road safety in Nairobi, whether you're using the app or not. By following these tips and being mindful of your surroundings, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
As Brian Njao, Uber Country Manager, Kenya, notes, 'We have a responsibility to our community to ensure a holistic approach to safety is taken on our city streets.'
