Safety of ride-share users prioritised as Uber Australia introduces a 5 star policy.

Independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, has praised the latest announcement from ride-share platform, Uber Australia, to introduce a 5 star vehicle use policy for its Australian driver partners.

The policy, which will be introduced from 1 October 2019, will require all vehicles which sign up to the Uber Australia rides platform to have a 5 star ANCAP safety rating or meet specific safety requirements.

“This is a great step in enhancing the safety of all those who use our roads,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin.

“Ride-share services are a modern convenience, and this initiative shows strong leadership.”

Recent polling shows 84% of consumers would consider selecting a 5 star rated vehicle when using ride-share.

“5 star safety is now the expected standard among car buyers, and we should continue to expect that same high standard whenever we use a car,” Mr Goodwin added.

“The introduction of this policy sees Uber Australia join a wide range of major corporations, governments, local councils, and businesses which have adopted 5 star vehicle purchase and use policies in recent years,” Mr Goodwin added.

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 5 star rated vehicles sold rising from 48% in 2012 to 90% in 2018.

Drivers can check the ANCAP safety rating of their vehicle at: www.ancap.com.au/safer-rides