Essential tips for using e-hailing apps

E-hailing or car-hailing apps have transformed transportation by providing convenient, reliable, and accessible rides at the tap of a button, but with security concerns. In this article, DANIEL ADAJI outlines safety tips while using the App

E-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and the recently launched 23-ride have experienced rapid growth, providing users with a convenient alternative to traditional taxi services.

These platforms connect passengers with drivers through mobile applications, providing real-time tracking, fare estimation, and cashless transactions.

Understanding the popularity and ubiquity of these apps sets the stage for understanding the safety challenges and considerations.

Choosing a reliable car-hailing app: Choosing a reputable car-hailing app is the first step towards ensuring safety. Factors to consider include:

User reviews and ratings: Check user reviews and ratings for insights into the reliability and safety of the service.

Safety features: Evaluate the safety features offered by the app, such as emergency buttons, trip-sharing options, and driver background checks.

Regulatory compliance: Ensure the app complies with local regulations and safety standards.

Pre-ride safety precautions: Before confirming a ride, take the following precautions:

Verify driver and vehicle details

Confirm the driver’s name, photo, vehicle make, model, and license plate number provided by the app.

Use in-app communication: Utilise the app’s messaging or call feature to communicate with the driver without sharing personal contact information.

Avoiding unmarked vehicles:  Only board vehicles that match the details provided in the app to avoid unauthorized or unsafe rides.

Personal safety measures during the ride

During the ride, prioritise personal safety by

Share ride details: Share your trip details, including route and estimated time of arrival, with a trusted friend or family member.

Seat placement: Sit in the back seat to maintain distance from the driver and have more options for exit in case of emergency.

Stay vigilant: Remain alert and monitor the route using the app’s GPS tracking feature to ensure you are heading towards your destination safely.

Data privacy and security: Protecting personal information and data privacy is crucial when using car-hailing apps

App permissions: Review and grant only necessary app permissions, such as location services, to protect your privacy.

Secure transactions: Use secure payment methods within the app to avoid sharing sensitive financial information with drivers.

Data encryption: Ensure the app uses encryption protocols to safeguard personal data and transaction information from unauthorized access.

Safety features and emergency protocols: Utilise built-in safety features and emergency protocols provided by the app.

Emergency button: Know how to use the app’s emergency button to report safety concerns or call for help during a ride.

In-App support: Access customer support through the app to report issues, escalate concerns, or seek assistance in real-time.

Driver rating system

Participate in the driver rating system to provide feedback on your experience and contribute to improving overall safety standards.

Payment and transaction security: Ensure secure transactions and avoid payment fraud.

Digital payment options: Opt for cashless transactions using debit cards or digital wallets integrated into the app.

Receipts and fare estimation: Verify trip details, fare estimation, and receipts provided by the app to detect any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.

Reporting fraudulent activities: Report any suspicious transactions or unauthorized charges promptly to the app’s customer support for investigation and resolution.

Post-ride safety practices: After completing your ride, follow these post-ride safety practices

Review and rate: Provide honest feedback and ratings for the driver based on your experience to help improve service quality and safety.

Follow up: Follow up with the car-hailing app’s customer support if you encounter any issues or safety concerns during the ride.

Learn from experience: Reflect on each ride experience to identify areas for improvement and adjust your safety practices accordingly for future rides.

Ensuring safety while using car-hailing apps requires a proactive approach that incorporates awareness, preparation, and utilisation of available safety features.

Ensuring the safety of wards and children in transit: Ensuring the safety of children and wards during transit is a paramount concern for parents and guardians. Whether travelling by car, using public transportation, or using specialised services like car-hailing apps, some specific strategies and precautions can significantly mitigate risks and enhance overall safety.

This comprehensive report delves into various aspects of transit safety, providing guidelines and recommendations for parents and guardians to protect their children in different transportation scenarios.

Understanding transit safety risks

Common safety risks: Transportation inherently involves risks such as traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns, criminal activities, and emergencies. Understanding these risks is crucial for implementing effective safety measures.

Age-specific considerations

Infants and toddlers: Young children require special attention due to their dependence on caregivers for safety. Properly securing them in appropriate car seats and ensuring constant supervision are essential.

School-aged children: Children in this age group may have varying levels of independence. Educating them about safe transit behaviours and teaching them to navigate public transport safely is critical.

Teenagers: Teenagers often have more freedom in transit choices but should still be guided on responsible behaviour, especially regarding distractions like smartphones and peer influence.

Environmental factors

Impact of weather and time of day: Weather conditions such as rain or snow can affect road safety. Travelling during daylight is generally safer than at night, particularly in unfamiliar areas.

General principles of transit safety

Preventive measures: Proactive steps like routine vehicle maintenance, careful route planning, and emergency preparedness can prevent many transit-related incidents.

Education and communication: Teaching children about transit safety and emergency protocols empowers them to respond effectively in challenging situations.

Emergency preparation

Equipping children with knowledge of emergency contacts, location-sharing apps, and basic first aid can make a crucial difference during emergencies.

Transit safety in different modes of transportation

Car transportation

Car safety basics: Properly installed car seats, seatbelt usage, and adherence to local laws regarding child passenger safety are paramount.

Pre-drive checklist: Before embarking on a journey, conduct a thorough vehicle inspection, plan the route, and ensure essential supplies like water, snacks, and a first aid kit are on hand.

Public transportation

Navigating public transport: Familiarise yourself and your children with public transport routes, schedules, and safety guidelines, including etiquette for crowded spaces.

Crowd management: Teach children strategies for staying close and safe in crowded settings, such as holding hands or staying within sight.

School transportation

School bus safety: Review boarding and disembarking procedures, the importance of using seatbelts on buses where available, and emergency evacuation drills.

Walking and biking to school: Discuss pedestrian safety rules, wearing helmets when cycling, and choosing safe routes to school.

Specialised transportation services

Choosing safe services: Select reputable transportation providers, conduct background checks on drivers, and use apps with GPS tracking capabilities for added security.

Monitoring and tracking: Utilise real-time tracking features on apps to monitor your child’s journey and receive notifications upon safe arrival.

Technology and transit safety

Role of technology: Advancements like GPS tracking, mobile applications, and wearable devices enhance real-time monitoring and communication between parents, guardians, and transportation providers.

Parental control Apps: Explore functionalities of parental control apps that allow remote monitoring of children’s transit activities, providing peace of mind to guardians.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

Compliance and regulations: Adhere to local and national laws governing child safety in transit, including seatbelt laws and requirements for child safety seats.

Advocacy and awareness: Advocate for improved safety regulations and community awareness initiatives to foster a safer transit environment for all children.

Community and school involvement

Collaborative efforts: Engage schools, local communities, and transportation providers in promoting and enforcing transit safety measures.

Safety education programmes: Support initiatives that educate stakeholders on transit safety best practices, ensuring a collective effort to protect children.

Case studies and best practices

Successful implementations: Examine case studies highlighting effective transit safety programmes, innovative strategies and community partnerships.

Lessons learned: Extract key lessons from successful practices to refine and enhance transit safety strategies for children across different transportation modes.

Ensuring the safety of children and wards in transit demands a multifaceted approach integrating education, preparedness, technology, and community collaboration.

Continuous vigilance, proactive measures, and advocacy for improved safety standards are essential to safeguarding the well-being of children in transit environments.

How to conduct background checks on drivers with a smartphone

As a parent, entrusting your children to the care of a driver can be a daunting task. Ensuring their safety and well-being is paramount, and conducting background checks on drivers is a crucial step in achieving this goal.

With the rise of smartphones, accessing information has become easier than ever. In this article, we will guide you on how to conduct background checks on drivers using your smartphone, providing you with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about your child’s safety.

Gather information: Before conducting a background check, gather the following information from the driver: Full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, state of issuance, etc.

Use online resources: Utilise online resources to access public records and databases. Some popular options include:

Social media screening: Screen the driver’s social media profiles to gather information about their behaviour, interests, and associations. Pay attention to inappropriate content or behaviour, suspicious connections or friends, and red flags in their online activity.

Review driving records: Use your smartphone to access driving records and vehicle history reports. Check for: Accidents or violations, license suspensions or revocations, vehicle ownership and insurance history

Verify identity: When verifying the identity of a driver, it is crucial to conduct thorough checks to ensure safety and reliability.

Begin by confirming their identification details, such as name and photo, through the platform they are affiliated with, whether it is Uber, Bolt, or any other service provider. This initial step sets the foundation for further investigation.

Next, delve into reviews and ratings left by previous passengers. These insights provide valuable feedback on the driver’s conduct, punctuality, and overall service quality.

Platforms like Uber and Bolt typically feature a rating system where passengers rate drivers based on their experiences.

Look for consistency in ratings and pay attention to specific comments that highlight strengths or concerns about the driver’s behaviour and professionalism.

Beyond the platform’s internal reviews, conduct an online search using the driver’s name and any other identifying information available.

This broader search might uncover additional reviews or mentions across social media, forums, or consumer review websites. Look for patterns or red flags that could indicate reliability issues or commendable service.

Consider reaching out to your network or community groups for first-hand recommendations or warnings about specific drivers. This grassroots approach can sometimes reveal valuable insights not captured by online reviews alone.

Additional tips

Check for any criminal records or pending charges, verify the driver’s employment history and references, ask for a copy of their driver’s license and vehicle insurance, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is better to err on the side of caution.

By being proactive and thorough in your background check, you can help ensure your child’s safety and well-being when in the care of a driver.