How to stay safe while using ride-hailing services

Recently, media personality Ciku Murirui took to social media to share a distressing story of how her daughter and her friend were abducted by a taxi driver prompting other Kenyans to also share similar dreadful encounters while using ride hailing services.

Here are some tips to ensure your safety:

1. Double check the car and its registration plate

Every time you are using a ride hailing service, make sure you are getting into the right car with the right driver by matching the license plate, driver’s photo in the app and car model provided in the app. Paying close attention to these details is very important, and if anything does not add up, cancel the ride and do not get into the vehicle. 

One can also ask the driver to confirm their name and who they are picking in that location, the driver sees your first name in their app, and your driver’s first name is displayed to you in your app.

2. Always sit at the back

While it is customary for people to quickly hop into a cab, it is safer to use the back seat especially if you are riding alone. This provides the driver and yourself some personal space will help ensure that there are no ‘accidental touch’ and you can safely exit vehicle

3. Share your trip details with loved ones.

Most of the apps offer passengers the ability to share their trip status and tracking, as well as the driver’s name, photo and license plate in case you are feeling unsafe in any way.

While taking a trip, share your status with a family member or a friend, they will receive a text or push notification that tracks your trip and ETA.

4 Make sure you know your destination.

Knowing your destination beforehand can significantly improve your ride experience and reduce your risk of getting lost. Always pay attention and communicate to your driver if you have a preferred route before you set off. If along the way you want to direct the driver, do not hesitate to. If something doesn’t feel right, ask to exit at the closest busy location.

5. Don’t ride impaired

Ride sharing is a fantastic method to avoid drinking and driving because traveling while impaired might leave you more exposed to assault or access the wrong cab due to impaired judgment. If you are in the company of an intoxicated individual, make it your business to ensure they get home safe.

6. Ride as a group

Try to ride with other people where possible, like friends and colleagues. If you are riding to different locations, try and communicate that as soon as you get into the vehicle. Keep your personal belonging close by, ensure you don’t leave anything in car once you exit.

7. Send feedback

Sending feedback is one of the best ways to share your experience with the company regarding their services.  After each trip, most of the apps ask you to rate your trip, this is your chance to report anything that seemed amiss, trust your judgement and let the company know, your feedback could be what will save the next person.