High Accident Rate In India, Uber Requires Drivers To Ensure Passengers Wear Seat Belts

JAKARTA - Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies has asked its drivers in India to ensure that the rear seat belts in their vehicles are accessible to passengers and functioning. The call comes days after a local business tycoon died in an accident involving his private car.

The move comes amid a growing push for road safety in India, which is the world's fourth-largest car market. Earlier in early September, Cyrus Mistry, former chairman of Tata Sons India, died in an accident involving his Mercedes. Local media reported he was not wearing a seat belt while sitting in the back seat of his car.

"To avoid fines or complaints from drivers, please ensure that the seat belts in the back seat are accessible and functional," Uber said in an advisory to its drivers on Tuesday, September 20, quoted by Reuters.

A source with direct knowledge also said Uber is conducting airport checks to ensure drivers comply with these seat belt rules. Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Its Indian rival Ola, backed by SoftBank Group, has also advised drivers in recent weeks to enforce seat belt rules.

This comes at a time when the Indian government is also trying to push through a series of measures to improve road safety in a country that has the world's deadliest roads.

The World Bank said last year that India had a death on its streets every four minutes.

India already has a law requiring backseat passengers to wear seat belts but few adhere to it. Enforcement of this rule is also poor although there is a fine of 1,000 rupees (Rp 188 thousand) for non-compliance.

In most cases, car and taxi owners place the seat covers over the seat belts in their back seats, making them inaccessible for use.

Uber tells drivers in its advice to make sure the rear seat belts are fastened, adding "if the belt is hidden under the seat cover, please remove the cover".

The Indian government has also said it wants automakers to install alarm systems for rear seat belts to enforce their use and mandate six airbags in all cars.