E-hailing services have long been praised for their reliability, efficiency, and comfort. However, in recent times, the once highly regarded reputation of these services has begun to decline, particularly when it comes to their “safety” status.
This comes amid the growing reports of violence, theft, and potential hijackings that have taken various parts of the country by storm. This now begs the question of whether one should be comfortable booking an e-hailing ride in the middle of the night.
Among the most recent reports concerning a similar matter was that of award-winning South African musician, Cassper Nyovest. The rapper recently took to Instagram expressing shock after an e-hailing driver stole a gift package meant to be delivered to a friend and instead drove away with it.
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In frustration, he wrote: “Such an expensive gift ruined my day and ruined the gesture for my friend because he was so excited! I will never use Uber courier again! This happens after they have stolen food so many times! Such rubbish!”
Similarly, last month, a Capetonian woman appeared on the radio broadcaster Cape Talk, where she revealed that after leaving a social work function, she had become a victim of a robbery in the CBD.
Incidents like these have since raised a high level of alarm about the safety of these services.
To assist you in making wise decisions to ensure your safety, the road safety website, Arrive Alive, recommends following these precautions.
- Review your app’s safety features.
- Confirm your destination before booking.
- Check the driver’s rating.
- Know the route and estimated travel time.
- Verify the car’s details (registration, make, model).
- Match the driver’s photo with the person.
- Ask the driver’s name and who they’re picking up.
- Cancel and rebook if any details don’t match.
Also see: Why Uber and Bolt drivers could land in jail from Friday
