It’s virtually impossible to feel fresh after 12 hours of alert driving. In fact, some would argue, it’s impossible to drive for 12 hours in a fully alert state to begin with. Which begs the question: is it safe to transport passengers, without rest requirements. Despite being a “use anytime” app, Uber has introduced driver safety requirements, limiting the amount of hours someone can actively drive for the service, before adequate rest.
In the latest app update for drivers, Uber implemented a 12 hour maximum driving rule. After 12 hours, a driver must cease using the app for 6 hours. Of course, this could easily be bypassed by driving for another service during the six hour break, but the spirit and aim behind the new rule is meaningful. Safety for passengers, drivers and everyone else on the road matters.
Enforcement
The app will stop working after 12 hours on the clock. At 10 hours drivers will receive a warning – and every 30 minutes beyond that further warnings will be given. Once 12 hours has been reached, the app will not work for six hours. Drivers on long breaks in between rides will not have that time count against their clock. The app will know when a car is moving.
There’s something powerful about an app which allows people to make money on their time. But that need must be met by safety concerns for passengers and drivers alike. It’s great to see a policy which should not affect most drivers, while also placing safe guards on driving patterns which are proven to be detrimental to road safety. We think this is a win for everyone. And if they really think air taxis are a thing of the near future, safety will become more important than ever.
Rollout
This is in line with previous roll out of similar policies for drivers in New York and London. The policy will now appear everywhere Uber is operated. So next time you hop into an Uber, you can rest a bit easier, with the notion that your driver *should* be adequately rested. Safety first, right?
How do you feel about these changes? Good for everyone?
HT: ThePointsGuy
I think the change is good. I’ve heard of drivers driving until they reach their dollar amount target no matter how long it takes. I’m really not sure that’s safe just like pilots are required to have a set number of hours rest before flying.
I think this is a fantastic addition to the Uber service. I haven’t encountered any drowsy drivers, but I know they’re out there. This is the same type of rule enforced on truck drivers to keep us all safe. Kudos to Uber.
Not to be too argumentative, but this is nothing at all like the rules in place for truckers. Truck drivers are trained and licensed for the type of work they do. Uber drivers simply have a newer four-door car (doesn’t even need to be their own vehicle), an insurance policy with their name on it, be of a minimum age, and not have any traceable felonies. There is no training, other than the occasional email reminding you that you are required to accept passengers with bona fide service animals. Your comment isn’t as ludicrous as Mark’s about the similarities with pilots, but it’s still not a valid comparison.
Seems to be little more than a publicity stunt, although it may impact a minutely small number of drivers. Anyone needing to drive those hours is, in all likelihood, driving for multiple services, which is out of Uber or Lyft’s control. Additionally, they could be signed on for deliveries elsewhere, whether it’s restaurants or Amazon. It may be well-intentioned, but it’s very short-sighted. A person that spends their day saying “xyz, how may I direct your call?” only does that for 8 hours and is required to step away for lunch and at least two other breaks. I’m perhaps taking a wild guess here, but I have to believe that is less stressful and draining than dealing with traffic and passengers for 11+ hours on 4-5 hours of sleep. Since that limit only includes those that drive exclusively for Uber, a driver with Lyft and Uber badges on the window should be cause for concern.