The risks, dangers, and trends of e-hailing driving usually centre around driver safety and the need to implement powerful, multi-layered safety technology. We’ve reserved our focus for the safety and protection of passengers; and while completely valid, we’ve often neglected the security of drivers in the process.
Despite the growing number of dashcam videos and undeniable proof of dangerous encounters that often end up going viral on social media, e-hailing drivers remain the prime targets of criminals. This is why the conversation needs to shift to independent drivers & fleet managers taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to driver safety.
Take a leap towards a safer e-hailing experience. In this piece, look into the threats drivers face, what they can do to maintain their own safety, and all the special features Cartrack has for e-hailing drivers all over South Africa.
The main threats being faced by e-hailing drivers are violent assaults, turf wars, and operational risks. We often forget that while e-hailing passengers are inherently taking a risk by getting into a stranger’s car, drivers are also welcoming strangers into their own vehicles.
Both parties in that moment are vulnerable and should have access to the necessary safety measures, be able to respond quickly when something goes wrong, and feel safer & reassured during every trip. Kindness and mutual respect should be non-negotiable, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case.
Drivers are often the victims of physical threats and violent assaults. They’re being robbed, hijacked, and sometimes even killed while on the job.
This usually happens when e-hailing drivers pick up a criminal posing as an innocent passenger, or they’re being lured to the drop-off destination where the assault might take place.
This has been an ongoing issue in the country. Traditional taxi owners and drivers feel as though e-hailing drivers are taking business away from them and have turned to fatal violence, threats, and property damage as a way of getting their message across.
Minibus taxis are still considered the most utilised public transport in the country, and yet the reality is that most taxis are chaotic in their service and often controlled by other criminal syndicates. Because of this, tensions continue to grow.
Taxi drivers sometimes threaten e-hailing drivers AND passengers. In those intense moments, e-hailers ask passengers to sit directly next to them in the front seat. This takes the suspicion away from working e-hailers.
Passengers sometimes use fake profiles or choose to do ‘cash trips' but don’t pay at the end. Always take a look at the profile, check if there’s anything unusual or suspicious about the booking, and ensure you’re keeping all communication within the app.
Carrying physical cash can also make you a potential target. Try to avoid cash trips where possible, especially during the evenings. If you do accept a cash trip, ask the rider to show you the fare beforehand.
The practical and legal steps e-hailing drivers can take to stay safe include:
A local journal article that assesses the safety of drivers in the e-hailing industry came to the conclusion that e-hailing fleet managers are not taking proper care of their drivers. They’re failing them by not providing the right safety measures or equipping them with training in safety and security.
Let’s take a closer look at these important steps:
As mentioned, always start your trip by verifying the rider. Before you even unlock your doors, take a look at the rider and see that their details match, or ask who the trip is for if a trip is made on behalf of someone else.
If there are any strange or unexpected changes or odd requests that aren’t aligning with the booking, go with your intuition and request to cancel the ride. Rather focus on your safety.
Always try to stick to the route given by your navigation and don’t rely solely on your rider’s instructions. The navigational app won’t always be right or might take you through some complicated routes, so use your discretion.
If you can see that you’re heading towards or through an isolated area, keep your navigation open and active. Find a populated, well-lit area if you feel like you’re in danger.
It’s common practice for drivers to accept cash trips every now and then, so they’re liquid enough and can perhaps pay for things like petrol or a drink or snack during their shift. If possible, prepare for those moments before your shift.
If you’re working a night shift, ensure you’ve shared your details and working hours with a trusted person or loved one. Don’t be afraid to reject trips to isolated areas. As previously mentioned, try to stick to cashless trips.
After a critical incident, you must move quickly but cautiously. Know where your in-app safety features are, have your emergency contacts close by, and carry out your post-incident protocol.
If you’re under a rideshare company and they have their own protocol, follow that closely. If you’re working independently, consider the following:
Yes, there are insurance products tailored to e-hailing drivers. Even if you’re an independent contractor using your own car, it should be covered as an income-generating asset. Using your car for e-hailing purposes means there are more areas to cover; it’s not just about accidental cover but also downtime, compliance and passenger liability.
Many insurance companies offer e-hailing-specific insurance packages.
A multi-layered approach to safety forms a massive part of the safety trends we see impacting e-hailing drivers. Drivers face risks every day, both on and off the roads. Having only one solution to safety has never been and simply isn’t enough anymore.
These are some of the trends shaping the e-hailing industry:
Cartrack supports e-hailing drivers and their safety by offering the best in safety solutions. We’ve recently introduced premium safety features specifically made for e-hailers, so you can take your safety to the next level. We’ve also introduced special rates so you can achieve holistic safety without hurting your wallet.
Cartrack is already ahead of the curve, partnering with e-hailing company inDrive to push total driver safety. We understand the weight of your car being your income, and we’re there to protect you, your car, AND your passengers while on the road. Our partnership doesn’t affect your trip rates, earnings, or ratings.
Here’s what we offer our inDrive partners, and what we can offer YOU:
💲 Products included in the offer:
Your car is being tracked at all times; and if anything happens, we have your live location ready to go. Cartrack also understands that if your car (and ultimately your source of income) is taken, time is of the absolute essence.
All of our hardwired tracking units are designed with jamming detection technology. Our backup tracker, the Cartrack Tag, has anti-jamming technology that works even when your main GPS tracker has been jammed because it’s completely unaffected by jamming technologies.
This increases the chances of us quickly recovering your car and getting you back to work!
Our Dual Vision dashcam solutions record both the road and inside the cabin. The cameras are extremely high-quality, live-streaming up to 360P but recording at 1080P.
Sometimes, it’s your word against theirs, which is why these solutions are perfect for objectively capturing an incident.
Whether you’ve experienced an unruly passenger, a physical assault or an accident, our cameras will clearly catch the evidence. Additionally, our AI-powered Dual Vision option has all the same offerings as standard Dual Vision but uses AI to capture driver violations; from smoking and using a cellphone to fatigue and distracted driving.
Sub-regulations have pushed for panic buttons to be mandatory in e-hailing cars. We have a discreet, silent panic button if you’re ever in a situation where you feel like your life could be at risk.
Our panic button quietly sends a distress signal to the Cartrack control room, where our team quickly contacts you and gets you the necessary help.
You can ensure extra, one-tap-away safety with our in-app safety features, which include:
Protecting your life and your work is a fundamental and unavoidable responsibility. This is why various proactive measures are your ticket to staying vigilant, informed, and most importantly, in control. Get Cartrack on your side and turn your e-hailing into a safety fortress!
Don’t wait for a close call before you update your driver security system. Build your own safety ecosystem and enjoy being worry-free while you work. Call a Cartrack professional today!
Stay safe behind the wheel. Learn about the dangers of e-hailing driving and see how dashcams, panic buttons, and smart habits protect you & your income.
