Western Cape E-hailing Association calls on drivers to be extra cautious when accepting rides

The Western Cape E-hailing Association has issued a call for heightened vigilance among drivers following a series of violent incidents targeting e-hailing operators in Cape Town.

The advisory comes in response to recent attacks that left two drivers shaken and highlighted the growing risks associated with the industry.

Two Incidents Highlight Safety Concerns

Over the past week, two e-hailing drivers in Cape Town were subjected to alarming attacks by clients:

• Strandfontein Attack: On Wednesday, a driver was assaulted by a client during a routine ride in Strandfontein.
• Rylands Robbery: On Christmas Eve, another driver was robbed in Rylands under similar circumstances.

The incidents underscore the potential dangers faced by e-hailing operators, who often work late hours and in unfamiliar areas to meet the demands of their passengers.

Association’s Response

Keith Francis, spokesperson for the Western Cape E-hailing Association, condemned the attacks and emphasized the growing trend of violence against drivers.

“We really condemn these attacks on e-hailing drivers, especially the ones that happened in Bishop Lavis, Strandfontein, and in Rylands,” he said.

Francis urged drivers to exercise extra caution when accepting rides, particularly in areas known for higher crime rates. He added that the association had noted a worrying increase in such incidents over the past two months.

Growing Risks for E-hailing Drivers

E-hailing drivers face unique challenges that make them vulnerable to crime, including:

1. Unfamiliar Environments: Drivers frequently pick up and drop off passengers in areas they may not know, increasing the risk of entering unsafe locations.
2. Irregular Work Hours: Late-night shifts and early-morning rides are common, often coinciding with times when criminal activity is more likely.
3. Limited Security Measures: Unlike traditional taxis, many e-hailing drivers operate without protective barriers or security systems, leaving them exposed to passengers who may have malicious intentions.

Call for Proactive Measures

The Western Cape E-hailing Association is urging both drivers and platform operators to take steps to enhance safety.

• Driver Vigilance: Drivers are advised to carefully evaluate ride requests, pay attention to passenger ratings, and avoid areas with known high crime rates when possible.
• Platform Enhancements: E-hailing companies are encouraged to implement stronger safety measures, such as real-time tracking, emergency assistance features, and rigorous screening of passengers.
• Law Enforcement Collaboration: Francis called on local authorities to work closely with e-hailing associations to identify and address hotspots for driver-related crimes.

Support for Affected Drivers

The association is also advocating for better support systems for drivers who fall victim to crimes while on the job. These measures include:

• Counseling Services: Offering trauma counseling to help affected drivers recover emotionally.
• Insurance Coverage: Encouraging platforms to provide comprehensive insurance that covers injuries, theft, and vehicle damage.
• Legal Assistance: Assisting drivers in pursuing justice against perpetrators.

A Rising Trend of Attacks

The recent incidents in Cape Town are part of a broader trend of increasing violence against e-hailing drivers across South Africa. Reports suggest that attacks have surged in various regions, raising concerns about the long-term viability and safety of the e-hailing industry.

E-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Bolt, have implemented some safety features, but drivers and associations argue that more needs to be done to protect operators on the ground.

Working Together for Solutions

The Western Cape E-hailing Association is calling for a unified effort to address the issue. Collaboration between e-hailing companies, law enforcement, and local communities is seen as essential to curbing the violence.

Francis concluded with a message of solidarity: “We stand with our drivers and will continue to push for safer working conditions. No one should fear for their life while trying to earn a living.”

As the holiday season continues, the association urges drivers and passengers alike to prioritize safety and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The post Western Cape E-hailing Association calls on drivers to be extra cautious when accepting rides appeared first on News365.co.za.