Safety: Bolt launches smartphone-dashcams for South African drivers

Bolthas launched a first-of-its-kind dashcam project in South Africa. The project, which utilises drivers’ phones in place of actual dashcams, is described as a significant step to improve the safety of drivers operating on the platform.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Driver Technologies, an AI-based mobility tech company, will enable Bolt drivers to convert their regular smartphones into dashcams. Thus, they can access inexpensive, high-quality dash cam capabilities directly from their cellphones.

Speaking about the importance of the development, Senior General Manager for Bolt South Africa, Lerato Motsoeneng, revealed that the announcement is in response to pleas by drivers who have often indicated that dashcams would help in their fight against insecurity while enhancing safety.

“Driver partners regularly tell us that a dash cam can provide them with additional security and peace of mind. However, buying a device that meets their requirements can be expensive, with drivers citing the cost as the main obstacle to getting one. By providing discounted access to premium dashcam functionality, our partnership with Driver Technologies ensures they can access the tools they need to create safer environments for themselves and their passengers,” Motsoeneng said.

How Bolt’s smartphone dashcam will work

Bolt says its new smartphone-to-dashcam safety innovation will work via a dash cam application, which will be integrated into the Bolt app. Thus, it will be operating quietly in the background all the while supporting Picture-in-Picture mode.

This will enable drivers to confirm recordings without disrupting the primary functions of the Bolt app.

Bolt says the innovation will solve the typical price barriers associated with acquiring separate dash cam gear for drivers. Instead, it provides powerful video recording capabilities, limitless trip video storage, secure cloud access, and simple sharing choices, all seamlessly integrated with the Bolt app.

Beyond improving safety, Bolt says the dash cam footage can be instrumental in supporting drivers in cases involving law enforcement, customer support issues, and even insurance claims, thanks to its ability to record both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Driver Technologies will also provide technical support and assist with data management for participating Bolt drivers, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.

Speaking about his company’s technology, co-founder and COO at Driver Technologies, Marcus Newbury, said they are excited about the partnership as it enhances the sense of security for all parties during a ride.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Bolt to help driver partners and passengers feel more secure with a reliable dash cam product that meets their requirements at a discounted rate,” he said.

The smartphone-to-dashcam initiative marks a new chapter in Bolt’s drive towards ensuring the safety of drivers. Safety, in the context of e-hailing, has always been focused on riders. This has long left drivers feeling like their safety isn’t paramount to the company. This is especially so for drivers in South Africa who have constantly been staging protests against the insensitivity of app companies toward their safety.

Drivers across South Africa, from the Western Cape to Johannesburg, have continuously demanded increased safety, among other complaints. The matter of safety came to a head in October 2024 when a driver, Nguquko Gaza, was allegedly murdered while completing a ride.

According to the e-hailing Partners Council (EPCO), an association looking out for the interests of e-hailing drivers in Johannesburg, the suspect and an accomplice requested a ride on the Bolt app. The deceased honoured the request only to be directed to the Berea area, where the criminals attacked him.

Following an outcry on social media, the Johannesburg Municipality intelligence unit, the Johannesburg Metro Police, and the South African Police Service swung into action, leading to the arrest of the 26-year-old suspect who owned unlicensed firearms.

The accomplice is currently on the run, according to reports.

See also: Bolt condemns murder of South African driver by rider, keeps mum over mandatory rider verification

However, despite being a case of murder, the arrested suspect applied for bail, a situation which has alarmed the e-hailing drivers. The prosecutor emphasised the importance of incriminating evidence such as the video recording, fingerprint, ballistic report, and cellphone location report to link the suspect to the murder. These would be needed to establish a case of murder.

The story above emphasises the importance of dash cams as they would provide clear and crisp video recordings of every trip. It would be interesting to see how soon Bolt intends to expand this innovation across its African markets.