How To Keep Safe As An Uber-Bolt Driver In Nigeria

To ensure safety and comfort as an Uber driver, you would need some safety tips, not only to keep you safe on the road but also to protect your passenger. One thing you would usually hear from security specialists and experts is that the passengers are given more priority than the drivers when it comes to safety, but that shouldn’t always be the case. Of course, there are stories where it is alleged that these ride-hailing drivers acted out of turn and harassed their passengers, but the majority shouldn’t be used as a yardstick.

Many ride-hailing drivers are usually left unprotected, and sometimes passengers might order these rides just to steal from them. That is why, as an Uber or Bolt driver, you should be aware of how to stay safe on the road.

Like everyone else, Uber drivers are vulnerable to risks on the road. Find out how to keep yourself safe on the road if you’re on a ride in any of the ride-sharing in Nigeria, Uber and Bolt have gained popularity. The urban taxi is probably familiar to everyone who likes to travel easily without having to drive their own car or board public transportation. An Uber ride is now one click away with the Uber app.

There have been reports of the service endangering the safety of its customers. There are terrible people who strive to derail good people’s efforts in every endeavour. There are some extremely skilled Uber drivers. Regarding their security, hardly much is said. Everyone should be safeguarded.

On Nigerian roadways, a wide variety of activities take place. These crimes can affect Uber drivers as well. This would be incredibly helpful to you if you are an Uber/Bolt driver on how to keep safe. 

Do not be distracted

You are accountable for the passengers’ safety in your vehicle. They are in your custody until they get out of your car. Your aim should be to safely transport each person to their destination. Avoid anything that can divert your attention at all costs. It is not appropriate at this time to return phone calls or text messages. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a short period of time, might lead to an accident. Don’t make space for that to occur. People who work in offices take their jobs seriously and avoid using their phones while they are at work. This is your responsibility. You ought to take it as seriously as you would any other job.

Drop off people away from congested areas or traffic

It matters how you drop off passengers. On the road, there are laws and rules. Avoid dropping off people in a busy or trafficked area. Your vehicle can collide with another vehicle on the road or run over individuals getting out. If passengers attempt to board your vehicle while you have not properly parked it, kindly request that they hold on until you are entirely off the road.

Road inspectors may also detain you for improper parking on the road; in this case, you would need to pay a monetary fine in order to be released. Don’t give them a chance to rob you of your money. Park sensibly.

Verify the rider

As an Uber driver, you may get many requests in a particular area, and things get busy locating your passengers. In that haste, you may forget to identify your rider and just pick them up. There have been many cases of passengers entering the wrong ride, and you really don’t want that to be you. That is why identifying your rider is important, and how do you do this? You ensure they show you their phones, we’re on the app it states the necessary information for the ride; most passengers and drivers fail to do so, and that might be a security risk. 

Utilise a phone mount

Because you use the Uber app on your phone while driving, you constantly need to be checking it for directions. Driving is dangerous enough when you take your eyes off the road, but doing so completely is considerably more dangerous. Invest in a cell phone mount to avoid this. To take a peek without having to look very far, you just install it on your dashboard.

Make sure that people are using their seatbelts

Cars come equipped with seatbelts to protect the occupants. It is your responsibility to make sure everyone in your car is wearing a seatbelt while you are driving. Some travellers can be challenging. They can interpret this incorrectly and become upset. Be eloquent and professional in your communication. Don’t cause a scene. Use a polite and formal voice when speaking to them.

Do you have auto insurance?

Uber makes provision for liability insurance to safeguard its drivers. But when you are actually driving a passenger in your car, this becomes more apparent. This is what’s best for you. Just because you don’t want to pay for it doesn’t mean you should exclude yourself from it. Accidents don’t happen on purpose; they might occur at any time. Make sure you are adequately safeguarded in case you become involved in one.

You would need to keep safe as an Uber or Bolt driver in recent times due to security risks.  Use these tips to ensure your safety, and keep tuned to Carmart.ng for more enlightening information like this.