Bolt and Uber are currently the most popular car-hire services in the country. Rather than chasing a taxi down your street or calling and waiting for about an hour for a car service, you can simply hail a car from any location, using a ride-hailing app, and have a car ready in minutes. As much as the ride services are safe to use and they have become wildly popular, the problem of safety with them is a big one. There have been reports of passengers being sexually assaulted by drivers or by someone posing as a ride-share driver. The following are some precautions you can take to ensure your safety while using Bolt and Uber.
Be Security Conscious
Minimize the time that you’re standing outside by yourself with your phone in your hand. Instead, wait inside until the app shows that your driver has arrived. Sit in the backseat if you’re alone, and use your seat belt. Sitting in the back creates a slight safety barrier between the passenger and the driver; it also gives some personal space between the driver and the passenger. Avoiding giving away too much personal information.
Information like your real destination, how long you’re travelling for, where you live, or your phone number or any other contact information should be kept to yourself as you don’t know who the driver is. It is important to learn how to cancel your trip. If you find that your safety has been compromised before your driver arrives, or while you are on the trip, you can cancel your trip or ask the driver to end the trip.
Confirm your Vehicle
Every time you take a trip, make sure you’re getting into the right car with the right driver. Match the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with what’s provided in your app. It is also advisable to ask the driver the name of the passenger he or she is picking up before entering the car. If the driver’s photo, license plate, and car colour do not match what is on the app, do not get in the car.
Share Your Trip Details with Loved Ones
Once the ride has begun, tap on the share the trip status in the app to share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member. On Bolt, you simply tap the SHARE button during the ride and send it to whomever you please. This is good for security reasons. Ensure the driver uses a route you are familiar with. Speak up if the driver dey carry you go where you no know.
Also, very importantly, learn to be respectful to the driver. Do not treat him like your personal driver. Rate the driver after the trip, and give feedback. In doing this, drivers’ misconduct can be known to the company. Other potential passengers might also be warned when they want to book the same driver. Do not agree to an offline trip. It is not good for your safety. The car hire company will not be held responsible for anything that happens during an offline trip.
