The inDrive Safety Education event, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, Lagos Ministry of Transportation, and Federal Road Safety Corp, took place on Thursday, at NG Hub, Lagos.
Designed to educate users on safety practices in ride-hailing services, Oladimeji Timothy, Senior Business Development Manager at inDrive Nigeria, highlighted the importance of user education in ensuring immunity.
“Safety is a major concern for us,” said Timothy. “Our application prioritizes user feedback, and we understand the importance of educating users about available safety tools.”
Representing the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Ojiowuro Olasunkanmi, Director of Transport Operations, said: “Safety is key in transportation. Public transportation systems can help reduce traffic congestion and promote safer roads, but people do not use public transportation due to safety reasons.”
Focusing on the role of infrastructure and technology in enhancing safety measures, Engr. Olasunkanmi discussed the government’s efforts to improve road conditions and enforce traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.
The integration of technology, such as real-time trip data-sharing agreements, was highlighted as a very essential step in enhancing safety and security for both drivers and passengers. “Utilizing technology allows us to respond quickly to safety incidents and deploy appropriate resources,” emphasized Engr. Olasunkanmi.
“With data sharing agreements, we can trace trips online and verify driver credentials, ensuring compliance with safety standards.”
This data-sharing agreement between the Lagos Ministry of Transportation and ride-hailing companies allows real-time trip data to be shared, facilitating quicker responses from emergency services in case of accidents or other incidents.
“Technology removes human error and enhances efficiency in traffic management. Automated systems like ANPR (Automated Number-Plate Recognition) aid in tracking offenders and improving road safety.”
Funmilayo Omoseyin, Chief Superintendent of Police, reiterated the importance of road safety, stating, “Following traffic laws and regulations is important to ensure safety on our roads.”
She emphasized the necessity for drivers to receive proper training from accredited driving schools, “Drivers must undergo training from reputable driving schools to ensure they are prepared with the necessary skills to operate their vehicles safely.”
Highlighting the essence of valid driving licenses, tailored to the type of vehicle being operated, Omoseyin said, “Having a valid driving license that corresponds to the vehicle being driven is essential for road safety.”
She further pointed to the importance of obeying traffic signals, such as traffic lights, among others, to prevent accidents and maintain order on the roads. “Engaging in reckless behaviours like speeding or disregarding traffic signs poses a high risk to road safety.”
Stressing the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, Omoseyin said this can distract drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents.
The importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures, was another critical issue. “Regular vehicle maintenance is important to ensuring that vehicles are in proper working condition and safe to operate.”
She urged drivers to prioritize safety over convenience and financial considerations, as the consequences of reckless driving can be severe and even fatal.
Oladimeji Timothy went on to point out the importance of verifying details before taking action. He said: “When unsure, even if it seems genuine, don’t do it. Using a simple ‘wait’ rather than jumping into action can prevent loss or damage of property.”
He emphasized the need for passengers to report incidents promptly, saying, “The first thing you want to do when you have such a situation is to report it. No matter how small, reporting incidents helps us address safety concerns effectively.”
InDrive Safety Measures for Passengers: Before, During, and After the Trip
The safety measures highlighted in the conversation, categorized by the stages of your trip with inDrive were as follows:
Before Your Trip
- Verify driver details: Ensure the driver’s photo, car model, and license number plate match what’s displayed on the app. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or cancel the ride if anything seems off.
- Confirm your identity: Don’t disclose your name first. Politely ask the driver to confirm your name as displayed in the app.
- Review driver ratings: Check the driver’s rating and feedback from previous passengers to get an idea of their experience and professionalism.
- Share your trip with a trusted contact: This lets someone you trust track your location throughout the ride.
- Keep in-app communication: For data protection reasons, it’s best to communicate with the driver through the in-app chat function. Avoid exchanging personal details via text message or WhatsApp.
During Your Trip
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to where you are and what’s happening around you.
- Use the safety features: inDrive offers a direct line to emergency contacts and an “in case of emergency” number (767) you can program with important contacts.
After Your Trip
- Report any incidents: If you experience any safety issues during your ride, report them immediately through the app’s support feature.
- Leave feedback: Rate your driver and leave honest feedback about your experience. This helps improve safety for future passengers.
Additional Tips
- Choose a safe pick-up/drop-off location: If you feel unsafe about a location, request to be dropped off at a well-lit and populated area.
- Avoid disclosing personal information: Don’t share unnecessary personal details with the driver.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, end the ride and report the incident.
The safe driving practices to reduce road accidents as highlighted in the discussion included avoiding driving under the influence, maintaining vehicle health, using seat belts, avoiding phone use while driving, and obeying traffic laws.
The inDrive Safety Education Event raised awareness about safety in the ride-hailing industry. As Oladimeji Timothy concluded, “I hope this event turns out to be educative and shapes the safety mindset of everyone.”
Collaboration between all stakeholders, including ride-hailing companies, government agencies, and users themselves, is essential to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system.
