By Staff Writer
As the New Year celebrations get underway, many of us choose e-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and others. They’re convenient, especially after a night out, and far safer than driving yourself after drinking. However, while these services are generally reliable and well-regulated, safety is still a priority. Unfortunately, incidents do happen. A colleague was recently mugged at gunpoint by their Bolt driver in Pretoria on a Monday morning while heading to work – a stark reminder that even with trusted services, vigilance is essential.
Technology on Your Side
Modern e-hailing apps include several features designed to protect passengers. You can see your driver’s name and photo, as well as the vehicle registration, colour, and type. Many apps display the driver’s rating and the number of trips they’ve completed, giving you insight into their experience. Trips are tracked via GPS, and you can share your estimated time of arrival with friends or family so someone always knows where you are. Most platforms also provide 24-hour support and an SOS button, as well as access to an incident response team should any problem arise.
Preparing for Your Ride
Safety starts before you even get into the car. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the app’s features and know exactly where you are going. Confirm that the driver’s details match the app information and that the car’s registration, make, and model correspond. Ask the driver to confirm your name. If anything seems off, it’s safer to cancel and request another ride. Planning ahead and staying alert from the moment you book your ride helps reduce risks significantly.
Staying Safe During the Trip
Once inside the vehicle, it’s advisable to sit in the backseat if you’re alone, ideally on the left-hand side. Keep your windows locked and valuables out of sight, and avoid sharing personal information. Trust your instincts, if something feels off, ask the driver to stop at the nearest safe location and alert someone, either through the app or by calling the authorities. Keep your phone within reach, ready to share your trip details or send an emergency message if necessary. Being aware of your surroundings and ready to act can make all the difference.
Passenger and Driver Responsibilities
Both drivers and passengers have a responsibility to ensure a safe journey. Drivers must obey traffic rules, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Passengers should respect the vehicle, refrain from bringing banned substances into the car, and ensure seatbelts are fastened. Children should be supervised, and overcrowding should be avoided. Mutual respect is also key. Treat each other with courtesy, keep the vehicle clean, and avoid aggressive or discriminatory behaviour. Friendly conversation is fine, but personal boundaries should always be respected.
Final Thoughts
E-hailing taxis are a convenient and generally safe way to get around, but incidents like the Pretoria mugging highlight the importance of staying alert. By planning your route, checking the driver and vehicle details, keeping valuables secure, and trusting your instincts, you can enjoy a smooth, worry-free start to the New Year.
