Uber Eats has partnered up with Big Boy Fourways to ramp up the safety of your favourite delivery guy, the Uber Eats rider. We all love the convenience of a hot meal being delivered to our doorstep, and the purpose behind this partnership is to ensure that your driver and your food arrive safely every time you place an order through the Uber Eats app.
“Safety is at the heart of what we do as an organisation, and we actively engage delivery people through roundtable discussions to ensure we’re establishing new partnerships that make a positive impact to them. We understand that gig work is an important step towards self-empowerment and creating a better future. That’s why we are working hard to promote safety on our platform and beyond.” Said Charles Mhango, Head of Operations, Uber Eats for Sub-Saharan Africa.
As a motorcyclist, the most important piece of equipment is your helmet, and at the event hosted by Uber Eats drivers were given a safety demonstration by Conrad Botha from Big Boy Fourways on fitting a helmet and the correct size, as well as the requirements for a good helmet as a delivery person spending hours on the road. As part of this safety initiative, Big Boy Fourways is offering Uber Eats delivery people a 50% discount on a selected range of helmets, giving them access to vital safety gear. Botha says it is hoped that delivery people will make use of this promotion to update their helmets. “Manufacturers recommend that helmets are replaced every two to four years, as materials like glue and resin can deteriorate,” Botha adds. “Helmets should also be replaced if they do not fit properly, or if they are damaged (for example, if the outer shell is cracked or splitting, or if there are cracks or soft spots inside). It’s also important to get a new helmet if a pressure point has been knocked, as it will no longer provide adequate protection, especially in that area,” he says.
To further bolster the well-being of the delivery guy while on duty, Uber Eats has launched new features in its app, which will discourage delivery people from using their mobile phones while riding. The rider will have to be parked and stationary to gain access to the app's functions. The app also has a helmet detection feature that prompts riders to check in using an image of them sporting their head gear before setting off on deliveries. Other features in the app include RideCheck, which detects unusual activity, and an emergency button that dispatches private security should the delivery person find themselves in an unfavourable situation.
It's a commendable initiative by the two brands, who take the feedback of their drivers to heart and appear to be making an effort to address their safety concerns among others. Here's to safer roads for all, and endless hearty meals from the Uber Eats app.
Gugu Masuku - Proudly CHANGECARS
