Manila, Philippines, 06 June 2024 – The streets of Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan De Oro saw a wave of enthusiasm and commitment to road safety as thousands of Grab and MOVE IT driver-, rider-, and delivery-partners engaged in the comprehensive ‘Drive Safe: Takbong Swabe, Safe Palagi!’ road safety training program. The initiative focused on essential road safety topics, including defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
A significant highlight of the program was the official launch of two innovative safety features on the Grab and MOVE IT driver apps: the Fatigue Nudge and the Real-Time Overspeeding Alert.
Fatigue Nudge: Recognizing the dangers of driver fatigue, Grab and MOVE IT introduced the Fatigue Nudge, a feature designed to monitor drivers’ active online hours and prompt them to take necessary breaks. This smart fatigue management tool will go live in June, aiming to enhance safety by ensuring drivers are well-rested.
Real-Time Overspeeding Alert: This feature leverages the accuracy of GrabMaps to display the vehicle’s speed relative to the road’s speed limit. If the speed limit is exceeded, the speed meter turns red, encouraging drivers to slow down. This initiative aims to promote adherence to speed limits and enhance overall road safety.
Grab Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ronald Roda emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is a cornerstone of everything we do. We view it as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders – passengers, regulators, drivers, and platforms. We are continuously innovating our safety measures, championing driver skills development, activating cutting-edge safety technology, and collaborating with like-minded partners to shape a safe, secure, and responsible ride-hailing future. Our commitment extends beyond simply transporting individuals; it encompasses a steadfast dedication to ensuring every journey is synonymous with safety.”
Collaboration with Road Safety Experts
The workshops were enriched by the expertise of Grab and MOVE IT’s partners in road safety, including CEMEX, the Philippine National Police, and various transportation authorities such as the Metro Manila Development Authority. CEMEX conducted a workshop focused on maintaining safe distances when driving near large vehicles like trucks and buses. This session included a blind spot simulation with huge trucks, aimed at protecting vulnerable motorists like two-wheel riders.
Meanwhile, transport authorities provided an educational refresher on traffic rules and regulations. These sessions aimed to elevate drivers’ and riders’ understanding of their responsibilities on the road, promoting safety, efficiency, and fairness, and fostering a more informed and cautious driving community.
Strengthened Partnership with the Philippine National Police
Further solidifying their commitment to safety, Grab Philippines Head of Operations CJ Lacsican and representatives from MOVE IT joined Chief PNP Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil in signing a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police. This enhanced partnership aims to reinforce safety and security across ride-hailing platforms.
A crucial part of this initiative is the introduction of an Emergency SOS Button within the platforms’ Safety Center. This feature provides passengers with a direct line to authorities, ensuring swift access to emergency assistance when needed.
Through these concerted efforts, Grab and MOVE IT are setting new standards for a trustworthy and secure transportation environment, ensuring every journey is safe and reliable.
