### Rideshare Drivers Enhance Safety Measures Amid Rising Insecurity in Tijuana
Given the rising insecurity in Tijuana, rideshare drivers are implementing a set of safety measures to mitigate the risk of robberies, assaults, and other potential dangers, as stated by Martin Sirio, a local driver.
One of the primary safety recommendations is to activate the recording option on their mobile devices during each ride. This precaution can be initiated if drivers feel unsafe, or even before the journey begins. “We have the option to record on our cell phones; it helps. Sometimes, passengers cancel the ride when they realize it might be recorded in audio or video. Passengers also have the option to record,” said Sirio.
To further enhance safety, drivers have formed WhatsApp groups and frequently communicate via radio. This allows them to share their locations, destinations, start and end times of their trips, and the estimated duration of the journey.
Drivers like Martin Sirio are also avoiding trips during late-night hours and steering clear of areas notorious for high crime rates, such as the Sánchez Taboada, Urbi Villa del Prado, and Tres de Octubre neighborhoods. “I prefer to work during less complicated hours and avoid dangerous zones, but the app sends us everywhere,” he noted.
These preventive actions have intensified particularly after the disappearance of several rideshare drivers in Tijuana. According to Fidel Cordera Gutiérrez, director of the Disappeared Persons Units in Baja California, the state’s Attorney General’s Office has received nine disappearance reports related to platform drivers this year. Five of these drivers were found deceased, three remain missing, and only one has returned safely.
The most recent disappearance involves Germán Rafael Santoyo, a driver for the Indrive platform, who went missing on August 21st while on duty.
Elizabeth Zárate, an Uber driver, has taken additional measures to feel more secure, opting only to accept rides from women. “The first thing I do is pray. But as a woman, I use the application designed exclusively for female passengers, and I haven’t had any issues,” she shared. Zárate also emphasized that the registry required by the Baja California government could improve safety, allowing QR codes to verify if drivers meet the necessary regulations.
### Secondary Article: Growing Concern Among Rideshare Drivers in Tijuana
As the year progresses, the concern surrounding the safety of rideshare drivers in Tijuana continues to grow. In addition to the precautionary steps already taken by drivers, public awareness is rising as reports highlight the grim reality for these essential workers.
Further information can be found on various news platforms that continue to report on this developing story. According to the State’s Attorney General, not only have there been disappearances, but there is also an increase in reported assaults and robbery incidents involving rideshare drivers.
To provide a more secure environment, authorities are working on improvements to the monitoring systems within these rideshare platforms. The potential introduction of more robust background checks, safety training for drivers, and enhanced in-app safety features are all being considered to curb the alarming trend.
Moreover, a call to action for passengers to be more vigilant and respectful towards their drivers is also being emphasized. Ensuring that both ends of the service, driver, and passenger, adhere to safety protocols could lead to a more secure and better-informed community.
Stay updated with TJGringo.com for ongoing coverage of this critical issue affecting our community.