Here Are Some Safety Tips For Passengers When Using Ride-hailing Services Like Vaya

Ride-hailing is now gaining popularity in Zimbabwe, owing to the grand entrance of Vaya Africa. Since raid-haling is something new to many Zimbabweans, its important for these novices to know some safety tips they can practice when using ride-hailing services

Confirm the name of the driver and make of the vehicle

Before getting in the car, make sure you’re getting in the right one. Globally, there have been several cases of people posing as drivers, but all the ride-hailing services offer passengers details such as the driver’s name, their photo and car type that you can utilize to know if the driver is the right one. Like I said yesterday, if a different car, driver or car type pull over for you to hop in, be suspicious.

Check the driver’s rating

Just like you are less likely to use a service or product with low ratings and reviews, rideshare ratings can be used to determine the quality and safety of your ride. Rideshare apps show passengers their potential driver’s ratings ahead of the car’s arrival, so if you’re uncomfortable with the rating, cancel your ride and call another.

Share your trip details with friends or family

Most ride-hailing apps offer a feature which enables you to share your trip details and route. Share your driver’s name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member so that they can then track you in case something happens.

Avoid riding in the front seat

Passengers (especially women) who ride whilst in the front seat have been on the receiving end of assaults, groping and other aggressive, unwanted behavior, according to some reports. So always go for the back seat if you riding alone, you can have a chance to avoid having your yourself gripped by the driver he or she wants to assault you.

Follow along in your own maps app

Open your respective ride-hailing app, enter your destination and, pay attention to the route the driver is taking in comparison to the one drawn in your ride-hailing service app (the route drawn in the driver’s ride-hailing app is the same drawn in your ride-hailing app too), noting any odd route shifts. At least your alertness can be raised just before the driver takes a route that leads to some dodgy destination.

Travel in groups when possible

There’s often safety in numbers. Try riding with a friend or two, that way you can perhaps outpower or outwit the driver should he or she try to do something to you.

Trust your gut

If you have an inkling of discomfort or sense something fishy, don’t get in the car. If you’re already on the road and you are in an emergency situation, call the police or your friend, relative or significant other.