In response to rising theft and violence targeting delivery personnel, Uber Eats has launched several new safety features on its platform in South Africa.Â
These updates aim to create a safer environment for couriers and other road users.
The platform has partnered with Aura, an emergency response service, to offer quick assistance in case of accidents. Delivery drivers can access medical and security help at the touch of a button.
 The new safety toolkit includes features like audio recording, trip sharing with trusted contacts, and emergency alerts, similar to those available for Uber’s ride-hailing users.
To address the high risk of hijackings and theft of business-owned vehicles, Uber Eats has implemented a driving hour limit of 12 hours per day, with alerts issued when drivers approach their limits.
Other additions include seatbelt reminders and a destination transparency feature that shows couriers their drop-off points in advance, giving them more control over their routes.
 These measures aim to reduce fatigue and enhance overall safety for Uber Eats drivers in South Africa.