Trip-hailing is the brand new wave in Nigeria, and it’s gaining recognition at a speedy charge. Individuals are queuing up to make use of ride-hailing providers like Bolt, Uber, and Indrive due to the extent of comfort they carry to intrametropolitan actions.
Nevertheless, behind this comfort lies an growing want for customers to take cost of their very own security. From Lagos to Abuja to Portharcourt, tales of scams, harassment, and even accidents remind us that warning is vital.
Then comes the query everybody has been asking: “How can we defend ourselves whereas having fun with the benefit that ride-hailing app brings?”
Here is an article that explains all of it.
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All the time Verify Driver and Car Particulars
One important mistake many customers make is to leap into the car as quickly because it arrives with out due diligence. They don’t seem to be your loved ones members, so you’ll be able to’t be so positive of them. Thus, it is advisable to examine the whole lot, from the driving force’s title to the automotive mannequin, license quantity, and even the photograph.
Unscrupulous drivers typically loaf around widespread pickup factors, pretending to be your journey. Taking 20 additional seconds to verify particulars might prevent from getting into the incorrect automotive. If one thing doesn’t match, do not enter. Cancel and order one other one.
Share Your Journey in Actual Time
Most apps mean you can share your journey particulars with associates or household. Make use of this function each time. When you begin your journey, ship the dwell monitoring hyperlink so somebody can see precisely the place you’re.
It offers peace of thoughts, not only for you but in addition for the individuals who care about your security. Even in the event you belief the route, having one other set of eyes in your journey provides a protecting layer that might make all of the distinction.
Sit Good and Keep Alert
The place you sit within the automotive issues greater than most individuals suppose. Sitting within the again seat on the passenger aspect offers you each visibility and fast entry to the door, in case one thing feels off. Keep away from distractions, comparable to zoning out utterly along with your headphones.
Staying alert doesn’t imply being paranoid, nevertheless it means noticing uncommon detours, sudden route modifications, or any behaviour from the driving force that feels unusual. Belief your instincts and act rapidly if one thing feels incorrect.
Keep away from Remoted Pickups and Drop-offs
Each time attainable, select well-lit, busy areas as your pickup and drop-off factors. Standing in a abandoned avenue whereas ready to your journey makes you extra susceptible to each criminals and visitors accidents. The identical applies when ending your journey. Keep away from requesting drop-offs at remoted areas. If you happen to should, stroll to a close-by public house earlier than reserving.
Belief Your Intestine and Don’t Hesitate to Cancel
Generally you’ll be able to’t clarify why one thing feels incorrect, however you simply understand it does. Maybe the driving force is performing unusually, the route appears suspicious, or perhaps the ambiance is simply off. Don’t ignore these emotions. Cancel the journey in the event you’re uneasy. It’s higher to lose a couple of minutes requesting one other journey than to remorse ignoring your instincts.
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Conclusion
Trip-hailing apps have made travelling in Nigeria simpler, safer, and extra comfy than ever earlier than. However comfort ought to by no means overshadow warning. By double-checking driver particulars, sharing your journey, staying alert, and trusting your instincts, you give your self the most effective probability of arriving safely each time.
