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.
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