Ride-hailing drivers in Jamaica are raising alarm over their safety after a female driver was robbed in St Andrew last month. The incident occurred after 2 am when two men, posing as passengers, hijacked her vehicle following a pickup request along Windsor Avenue. This has reignited fears among drivers who rely on platforms like inDrive to supplement their income. Alrick, a driver based in Portmore, shared his precautions, such as avoiding certain areas and declining trips from passengers without profile pictures or suspicious names. He also limits his work hours, stopping by 6 pm to minimize risks. The dangers of the profession were starkly highlighted in 2023 when 26-year-old driver Leroy Page disappeared while working in the Kingston and St Andrew area. His whereabouts remain unknown. Henry Myers, another driver, expressed his concerns, urging inDrive to implement stronger security measures, such as a quick response team, to protect drivers. He emphasized that while passenger safety is prioritized, drivers’ security is often neglected. Superintendent Mark Harris, Commanding Officer for the St Andrew Central Division, confirmed that the robbery is under investigation, though no arrests have been made. He advised drivers to exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar areas. Police statistics reveal that seven aggravated motor vehicle thefts have occurred this year, with four in St Andrew Central, two in St Andrew South, and one in St Catherine South.
