Young Uber drivers to get safety training in the Netherlands

The app-based taxi service Uber will require its younger drivers to undertake mandatory safety training with Safe Traffic Netherlands, a road safety NGO, following a series of deaths where Uber drivers were involved.

Four deaths involving the company’s vehicles occurred in a six-week period, prompting urgent discussions with the company.

According to Safe Traffic Netherlands, Uber has now taken measures to ensure that their drivers are limited in how long they can drive using the app.  The minimum age to be employed as an Uber driver will also be increased to 21. And Safe Traffic Netherlands will launch a safety training course for Uber drivers which will be compulsory for all drivers under the age of 25. Drivers who must participate but do not do so in time will be deactivated from the service.

A report by University College London published last year warned of a “perfect storm” of risk factors around so-called “gig economy” workers.

Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber#/media/File:Uber_taxi_in_Tomsk_01.jpg