Do You Think Before You “App?”

The National Limousine Association (www.limo.org) has produced a new on-air public service announcement to educate the industry and public at large about the risks and hazards of transportation network companies (TNCs).

The video titled “Digital Hitchhiking: Think Before You App!” is an extension of the NLA’s ongoing Ride Responsibly™ (www.rideresponsibly.org) initiative to improve passenger safety, education and awareness for anyone using a ride-hailing based car service such as Uber, Lyft, Sidecar or Whisk.  It urges consumers to arm themselves with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly™ and make smart choices when it comes to their safety.  Convenience comes at a cost, but that cost should never be your safety. A survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the NLA in February 2015 encompassed approximately 2,000 adults ages 18+, illustrates consumer concerns over the lack of background checks, insurance protocol and drug testing currently in place with ride-hailing car services.

The survey uncovers Americans’ opinion of the ride-hailing app car service industry.  The alarming results indicate:

• 91% of Americans feel there should be mandatory rules/regulations for ride-hailing app drivers.


• 83% of Americans feel ride-hailing app drivers should have to undergo a criminal background check.


• 83% of ride-hailing app drivers should have to pass regular drug testing.

“Our PSAs are a response to consumers’ concerns. We want to work with our industry and the public to keep our roads safe,” said Gary Buffo, President of the NLA. “We strive to always improve passenger protection, and this campaign emphasizes the educational efforts necessary to reach that goal.”

The new announcements mirror the message from NLA’s Ride Responsibly™ campaign that launched earlier in 2015, featuring mantras such as “Think Before You App!” reminding passengers to stay informed while using electronic app based services.  This new video PSA, which will air on local and national broadcast television stations, brings the campaign to life by demonstrating the dangers of not being aware of your rights.

Methodology:

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of NLA from February 11 to February 13, 2015 among 2,026 participants, adult ages 18-years and older. The online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact NLA@evins.com.

ABOUT THE NLA:

The National Limousine Association is a non-profit organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the private driver transportation industry at the global, national, state, and local level. It is the unified voice of this industry – linking transportation industry professionals from owners and operators to suppliers, manufacturers, regional and state limousine associations. With more than 2,000 NLA members, the Association is committed to exceeding expectations with regards to professionalism, transportation efficiency and safe riding.

For additional information on the NLA, please visit www.limo.org.

ABOUT RIDE RESPONSIBLY™:

The Ride Responsibly™ campaign is an unprecedented effort to bridge an industry-wide gap between the rights of passengers and the responsibilities of service providers. The campaign will establish best safety practices for prearranged car services and transportation network companies (TNCs), which include ride-hailing app car services, such as Lyft, Sidecar, Uber and Whisk. This initiative by the National Limousine Association is designed to help address growing public concern and provide a forum for all to voice their views on the ground transportation industry. The program will focus on educating both service providers and the public about regulations, legislation and best practices within the industry. The goal is to empower and inform the public at large, and drivers and operators alike with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly™.

For additional information please visit www.rideresponsibly.org.

Media Queries:

EVINS Communications
Matthew Berritt:
(212) 377-3577
Matthew.Berritt@Evins.com

David Harrison: (212) 377-3584
David.Harrison@Evins.com