FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2018
CONTACT: Kara Macek, kmacek@ghsa.org
202-789-0942
Unbelted passengers in the back seat are three times more likely to die in a crash
(Washington) – In advance of the summer travel season, Uber and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) today announced a national partnership called “Make it Click: Every seat. Every ride” to bring education and awareness regarding the dangers of riding unbuckled to millions of Uber riders and drivers.
According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 900 unrestrained rear seat occupants age eight and older died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. More than 450 of them would have likely survived if they had buckled up.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Uber on this effort,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “Increasing belt use – particularly in the backseat – is one of the most persistent challenges for states. This campaign is a rare opportunity to reach millions of riders with the message that belt use is critical, no matter the vehicle or seat.”
Through Uber and GHSA’s “Make it Click” public awareness campaign, riders and drivers will receive reminders to buckle-up and information on the risks of driving and riding without a seatbelt.
“Studies have shown that adults who admit to not buckling up in the back seat, also overwhelmingly admit to not buckling during short trips,” said Nadia Anderson, Uber’s Global Head of Road Safety Policy. “People have a false sense of security that the back seat is safer and we plan to harness the power of technology to help change those behaviors. Our partnership with the GHSA is a first step.”
The awareness campaign is timed to coincide with the National Highway Traffic Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” enforcement period.
Messaging will remind riders and drivers of the importance of seat belt use, and highlight statistics showing passengers in the rear seat are 3 times more likely to die in a crash if they are not wearing their seatbelt.
The message is simple: seat belts save lives. Together, Uber and the GHSA will urge Uber users to “Make It Click” - in any seat and on every ride.
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About Uber
Uber was founded in 2009 to solve an important problem: how do you get a ride at the push of a button? More than five billion trips later, we've started tackling even greater challenges: making transportation safer, delivering food quickly and affordably with Uber Eats, and reducing congestion in cities by getting more people into fewer cars.
About GHSA
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GHSAhq or follow us on Twitter @GHSAHQ.