E-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt have officially become recognised by the Department of Transport as a legal form of public transport in South Africa. And like riding in trains, buses and minibus taxis, these services come with their own set of safety concerns.
While popular for their affordability and reliability, e-hailing exposes passengers to potential dangers, such as theft, harassment, assault and kidnapping.
Earlier this month, a female primary teacher from Stellenbosch in the Western Cape nearly became a victim of an attempted abduction by an Uber driver. The incident has since ignited the conversation regarding passenger safety, especially for female commuters.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR A SAFE E-HAILING EXPERIENCE
Whether you’re a first-time passenger or a seasoned veteran, here are six ways to stay safe when using an e-hailing service:
1. SHARE YOUR TRIP DETAILS
It’s important to update your family and friends about any trips that you’ve booked via an e-hailing app. This can be as simple as calling them or popping them a text message.
Alternatively, you can also share your trip status. For example, the Uber app contains a “Share Your Trip” feature, in which you can share your trip status and location with up to five contacts.
After clicking “Send Status” via this feature, the chosen contacts will receive a link that pertains to your trip details, such as the driver’s identity and your arrival time. They can also track the ride in real time until its completion.
2. DOUBLE-CHECK THE DRIVER’S IDENTITY
Once you’ve requested a ride, the app will match you with a driver and provide their details. This typically includes the name of the driver, an accompanying photo, and their vehicle’s make, model and licence plate number.
It’s up to you to verify these details when the driver arrives at the pick-up location. This means making sure that they look like the provided photo and checking that the vehicle’s make, model and licence plate number match the in-app specifications.
Be sure to ask the driver who they’re here to pick up before getting in the car. If they confirm your name, then you’re in the clear.
3. AVOID THE FRONT SEAT
Opt to sit in the back seat instead of in the front seat where possible. Not only does this give you and the driver some personal space, but it also allows you to exit out either side of the car in the event of an emergency.
4. DON’T OVERSHARE
It’s easy to break the quiet of a ride with small talk. However, for your protection, you should avoid giving away private or sensitive information. This includes your personal address, your contact number or the reasons for your trip.
Be polite and respectful in your interactions. If the driver pressures you to divulge any revealing details, make use of the e-hailing app’s emergency features and report the driver to the service provider immediately.
5. BE VIGILANT
It is crucial to be wary of your surroundings, especially inside another person’s vehicle. Focus on the route that your driver is using to get you to your destination.
For example, you request a trip to your favourite shopping mall just two kilometres away. However, red flags will arise if you notice that the driver is riding on roads that are unfamiliar to you and are instead leading you further away from the mall instead of closer to it.
6. SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Late-night trips can feel daunting if you’re riding alone. Hence, it’s a lot safer if you are travelling in a group.
Having a friend or two at close hand is a good way to deter potential threats. They can also assist if anything gets out of hand.
ENJOY E-HAILING AT ITS SAFEST
By keeping these tips in mind, you can greatly improve your overall safety. Remember to be cautious and immediately report any offences to the e-hailing services’ customer support.
In the meantime, other safety measures are being considered to cement e-hailing as a dependable form of public transport in South Africa.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES WITH AN E-HAILING SERVICE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
