Uber partners with Young Indian to promote “Horn Not Okay Please Day” initiative. Under “Horn Not Okay Please Day” initiative, Young Indians aims to invite attention to the problem of various forms of noise pollution and suggest ways to minimize it. For your information, Uber is the world’s largest on-demand ride-sharing company while the Young Indians is an initiative of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the HNOP campaign was initiated by Young Indians in 2013.
Talking about this partnership, the Young Indians, and Uber will support this cause by conducting an educational drive at its boarding centers to sensitize hundreds of thousands of its driver partners across India about noise pollution caused by vehicular honks and spread awareness on this issue. According to World Health Organization study, noise pollution as the deadliest because of its health and social implications including hearing impairment, interference with spoken communication, cardiovascular disturbances, mental health problems, impaired cognition, negative social behavior and sleep disturbances. Another study from Centre for Science and Environment reported that some areas in Delhi experience 90 dB during peak traffic at residential zones.
Uber has been committed to addressing issues of congestion and pollution in cities through solutions like carpooling and ridesharing. Partnering with Young India (Yi) on creating awareness around issues like noise pollution caused by vehicles, is another step towards celebrating Indian cities and making it safer for generations to come.
Ankkit Aggarwal, National Member- Projects, Young Indians (Yi), said:
“Constant honking or being exposed to high-intensity horns can cause health hazards including partial or complete deafness. We are really excited to partner with Uber on ‘Horn Not OK Please” campaign, conceptualized to create awareness about noise pollution caused by vehicular honks. Through this campaign, we have already reached out to over 15 million citizens through awareness sessions, campaigns, distribution of stickers, discussions and road trips. Uber’s driver partners will further help spread awareness about this cause amidst its wide rider base and citizens across the country.”
Ms Shweta Rajpal Kohli, Head- Public Policy, Uber India, said:
“Incessant honking not only contributes to the noise pollutions leading to health hazards but can also be stressful for the riders, and others on the road. Encouraging our driver-partners to be judicious in their use of horn while driving is a part of Uber’s larger push towards responsible driving.”