Honeydew police issue tips on how to safely navigate e-hailing taxi rides
Tips relevant for both passengers and drivers.
Ordering private transport can come with several inherent dangers.
Despite what may be an isolated incident, Honeydew Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Dave Stanton-Humphreys states that currently, the station has not registered an increase in e-hailing-related crimes. Nevertheless, Warrant Officer Stanton-Humphreys issued a few safety tips for those using e-hailing services.
For passengers:
– Rather utilise the segment of Uber and Bolt that only accepts card payments. Not cash.
– Night-time traveling should rather be done with a partner. Being in possession of pepper spray is a good self-defense protocol.
– Always make sure that the car and registration plates match what is on the app and especially the driver’s face.
– When traveling at night, make sure to inform someone that you are en route.
– If you are compelled to regularly used taxis late at night, search online for security companies that provide a mobile panic button service.
For drivers:
– Do not accept cash. Only operate on card online payment
– Late at night do not accept large groups of passengers. Phone them to find out the number of passengers.
– Carry pepper spray
– At night choose your area of operation carefully.
– Attach a camera or dummy camera to your inside rearview mirror as it is a good deterrent. You can lie and claim that it is on a live stream to a security company.
READ MORE: Honeydew SAPS’ Delta team commended
