Technology and smartphone apps have changed the way most of us gain access to taxi services. The E-hailing taxi services industry has become a major role player in public transport.

Even though very convenient, mostly well-regulated and safe, the e-hailing taxi industry has also at times fallen victim to reports of crime and attacks on both drivers and passengers.

Selecting a safe ride

Safety starts before you climb into the e-hailing taxi:

• Get to know your app – take the time to review the safety features offered by the specific ridesharing app you’re using.
• Before ordering your ride, make sure you know exactly where your destination is.
• Check the driver’s rating.
• Familiarise yourself with the route and approximately how long it should take to get there.
• Check your car. Before getting inside any vehicle, ensure you check the registration number, make and model of the car. Does it correspond with the info shown on the app?
• Check your driver and the driver’s photo and make sure it’s the same person before even opening the car door.
• Ask the driver to give you his name, and ask him who he is looking for – it should be you.
• If any of the info doesn’t match up, rather cancel your ride and request another one.

Safety from crime

E-hailing has not been incident-free in South African cities with stories of passengers and drivers being forced out of cars by metered taxi drivers, allegations of attacks and theft.

• When you’re ready to request a ride, avoid spending unnecessary time outside (especially if you are alone) with your phone in your hand.
• Wait for your ride in a safe location, preferably indoors, until the app alerts you that the driver has arrived.
• Avoid dark areas, and don’t wait unaccompanied.
• Keep your windows locked and don’t have valuables in plain sight.
• Don’t flash your personal belongings. Once you’ve entered the car, make sure you keep your personal belongings close. Showing what you own only attracts unnecessary attention. Apart from that, keeping your stuff close also makes it easier for you to grab your things and leave quickly, in case you need to end the ride abruptly.
• Don’t forget to check for suspicious vehicles at your destination or follow you on a dark and lonely road.
• Trust your instincts. When travelling with a driver-partner, you should always be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts and judgement if you feel that something isn’t right.
• You can send a screenshot of your booking page with the driver, car, and route information to a friend or family member. You might even want to call and have a brief chat with them so your driver knows that someone is expecting you home by a certain period.
• If you feel uncomfortable in any way during the trip, you can ask the driver to stop at the first safe spot. If the driver refuses, try and alert someone either by sending a message requesting help or calling the police.
• Sitting in the back seat. If you’re on your own, rather get in the backseat. Not only does this give you and your driver some personal space, but it also allows you to get out on either side of the car if needed.
• Don’t get personal. There’s no need to share any of your private information such as your address, contact number or other sensitive info with your driver.
• Be prepared for any given situation, so think of possible steps you could take should you need to escape a dangerous situation. Familiarise yourself with the inside of the car the moment you get in – where’s the door handle and any door locks? Also, have your phone in your hand and ready to send out an emergency message if needed.

Passenger safety

• Drivers need to adhere to the rules of the road for example, by sticking to the speed limit, not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and not texting while driving.
• Both drivers and passengers should wear seatbelts – Drivers should avoid trying to cram in extra people when there aren’t enough seatbelts.
• There’s no need to share your phone number or other contact information with your driver.
• In some locations, due to violence aimed at e-hailing drivers by competitor metered taxis, passengers sit on the front seat when travelling alone in an e-hailed ride.
• Usually, the best is for riders to sit in the back which is also the preference of most.
• Riders should refrain from bringing alcohol or banned substances into the vehicle, and should not ask a driver to go faster than the speed limit.

Feedback and assisting other riders

You should always give feedback on how your trip went. This helps improve the e-hailing service for everyone, maintain a high-quality service and provide accountability.

• If you have a bad experience during a particular trip, it’s important to provide feedback via the app.
• When people know that they are been rated, they become conscious of their behaviour and become accountable for their actions.
• Ride-sharing platforms can ban drivers with low ratings, so it is in a drivers’ interest to keep their rating high.
• Ratings can also be disputed, so if you give a driver a low rating you need good reasons.
• Road crashes, incorrect fair charges or arguments should be reported by simply tapping the help button in the app.
• Reported drivers will be investigated. Depending on the nature of the issue the rider’s account may be placed on hold during the investigation. Should the concern involve a serious offence such as involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity the account can be deactivated and authorities will be notified.

Source: Arrive Alive