Windhoek, Aug.31 — As ride-hailing becomes an increasingly common part of everyday transport, passengers and drivers are being encouraged to make greater use of the safety tools available to them before and during a trip. Alex Mungai, Country Manager of Yango Namibia, said safety is a shared responsibility between passengers, drivers and technology. He said understanding how safety features work can help passengers and drivers respond appropriately when concerns arise.
“Passengers should familiarise themselves with the safety features before they need them,” Mungai said.
One of the simplest safety measures for passengers is to verify the information displayed on the app before entering a vehicle. Passengers should check the driver’s photograph and details, as well as the vehicle information, to ensure they correspond with the person and vehicle arriving for the trip. They should also confirm that the pick-up and destination details are correct before starting the journey. Mungai advised passengers not to enter a vehicle if the driver does not match the information displayed on the app.
“If the image of the driver on the app does not match the person arriving to pick you up, please cancel the trip immediately and don’t get into the car,” Mungai said.
He added that passengers can also share their trip details or live location with a trusted family member or friend. Trip sharing allows someone the passenger trusts to follow the journey and know when they have arrived safely. This can be particularly useful when travelling alone or at night.
Passengers are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the safety and emergency functions available during an active trip. The SOS or emergency assistance feature is intended for situations where a passenger believes they are facing an immediate safety or emergency threat. It provides quick access to emergency assistance, including contacting services such as the police or ambulance services. “It is important to know where that feature is located before you actually need it,” Mungai said.
If a passenger feels uncomfortable or unsafe during a trip, they should remain calm and prioritise their safety. Where appropriate, they can use the available safety features or contact Yango Support to report their concern. If the situation presents an immediate danger, the emergency assistance function can be used to seek help. Passengers should also avoid ignoring behaviour that makes them feel unsafe simply because they are unsure whether it is serious enough to report.
A change in route, for example, does not necessarily mean that something is wrong, as traffic, road closures or navigation requirements may require a driver to take an alternative route. However, passengers who are concerned can calmly ask the driver about the change and check the route displayed on the app. If concerns remain, they can make use of the available safety or support functions. Similarly, passengers who believe a driver is speeding or driving unsafely can politely ask the driver to slow down and report the incident through the appropriate support channel if the behaviour continues.
Passengers who experience inappropriate behaviour during a trip can report their concerns through the available support channels within the app. They are encouraged to provide as much relevant information as possible so that the matter can be properly assessed and investigated. Drivers can similarly report safety-related concerns involving passengers through the appropriate channels. Reporting incidents helps ensure that concerns are formally recorded rather than left unaddressed.
Simple safety habits every passenger should remember
Mungai further stressews that passengers can adopt a few straightforward habits every time they use a ride-hailing service. “Check the driver and vehicle details, share your trip with someone you trust, and stay alert during the journey,” he said.
Passengers should also familiarise themselves with the emergency and SOS functions before they need them. Ultimately, safety technology works best when passengers and drivers understand the tools available to them and use them responsibly.
