With festive season celebrations around the corner, thousands of South Africans will be leaning on e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt to get home safely after year-end parties and family gatherings. But as usage soars, so do the risks, from accidents to assaults, hijackings, and harassment.
According to recent reports, the country has seen a 20% rise in crimes linked to e-hailing operators since last year, with multiple fatal attacks on drivers in Gauteng alone, including 13 drivers killed in two weeks in August 2025. Studies also show that 43% of female e-hailing drivers have experienced sexual harassment on duty, and 72% of all drivers report threats from traditional taxi operators.
“E-hailing has become part of our social fabric, especially during the holidays,” says Kirstie Haslam, Partner at DSC Attorneys. “But the very convenience that makes it so popular also creates a sense of false security. When something goes wrong, passengers are often unsure of their rights or how to protect themselves legally.”
Accidents happen, here’s what to do immediately
If your e-hailing vehicle is involved in a collision, Haslam says your safety comes first but your actions in the moments after can make or break a future personal injury claim.
“Check yourself and others for injuries, call emergency services, and make sure the incident is logged through the e-hailing app,” she advises. “Take clear photos of the scene, vehicle registration, the driver’s ID visible on the app, and any injuries. If you’re taken to hospital, insist on getting a medical report, it’s crucial for any future compensation claim.”
Even as a passenger, you may be eligible to claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) or the driver’s insurance if you suffer injury due to negligence, speeding, or unroadworthy vehicles.
“If the driver, another motorist, or a pedestrian caused the crash, you can pursue a claim through the RAF preferably via a personal injury attorney who is experienced in these type of claims,” says Haslam.
However, she notes that there would only be recourse against the RAF in the case of a pedestrian accident if the collision was caused by joint negligence on the part of the pedestrian and the driver. If the pedestrian is the sole cause, there is no recourse.
When things turn violent
The festive season also brings a rise in violent crime involving e-hailing rides, from passengers being robbed enroute to drivers being hijacked or assaulted. Haslam says it’s critical to act quickly and document everything.
“If you’re robbed or assaulted, report the incident to both the police and the e-hailing platform immediately,” she says. “Ask for a case number and save all communication with the platform, this can support a civil claim later. If you sustain injuries, take photos, get medical attention, and speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.”
Victims may be able to claim compensation if negligence can be shown for instance, if the platform failed to vet or suspend a driver with prior complaints, or if safety procedures were ignored.
“We’ve seen cases where victims were left severely traumatised and out of pocket after an incident,” says Haslam. “Platforms have a duty of care to protect both riders and drivers and when that duty fails, the law can hold them accountable.”
Five festive safety tips for e-hailing users
- Share your trip: Always send your live location and driver details to a friend or family member.
- Check the car and driver: Confirm registration, make, model, and photo match before entering.
- Avoid isolated pickups: Stick to well-lit areas with CCTV or security presence.
- Don’t reveal personal details: Keep conversations polite but guarded, no addresses or plans.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, cancel the ride before getting in and report it through the app.
A growing industry, growing accountability
While e-hailing platforms promote safety features like GPS tracking and emergency buttons, critics argue that response times and follow-up accountability remain inconsistent.
“Technology can help, but it’s not a shield,” says Haslam. “Increased festive travel, late-night rides, alcohol use, and driver fatigue all raise the risk. The best protection is vigilance and knowing that if something does go wrong, you have legal recourse.”
The call comes as South Africa braces for another dangerous holiday period: over 1 500 people died on the roads last festive season, and more than 7 400 motorists were arrested at nearly 1 000 national roadblocks for drunk driving, speeding, and bribery attempts.
“Those numbers are a warning,” Haslam concludes. “Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the back seat, your safety depends on awareness and awareness starts before you get into the car.”
