Many young drivers become impatient when they get behind a cautious older motorist driving slowly. However, Uber is hoping that hiring more senior drivers for its for-hire-car-service will result in fewer accidents and safer roads. They are joining forces with AARP in an effort to attract more mature drivers.
How Uber’s Partnership With AARP Will Work
Uber is working with Life Reimagined—a non-profit subsidiary of AARP—to attract seniors who are looking for work to become partner drivers. Seniors can qualify if:
They have a good driving record.
They have a vehicle that is less than 10 years old
They have insurance on the vehicle
Uber wants to attract more than 100,000 drivers who are looking for flexible hours and extra money. If seniors sign up for the program through Life Reimagined and provide 10 trips, they can receive a $35 incentive.
Uber hopes that hiring more mature drivers will improve its image, which was hurt by some high-profile traffic accidents and the belief that some Uber driving partners are too harried and distracted to be safe drivers. Safety research has shown that more mature drivers can be safer than younger drivers, and the statistics on seniors involved in accidents is improving.
Uber also launched pilot programs in senior citizen community centers in Florida, California, Arizona, and Ohio to attract more senior riders. They are offering free tutorials on how to use Uber’s app—which is needed to schedule a ride—and giving out free or discounted rides.
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