Prioritising delivery driver safety in the gig economy

As Africa’s last-mile delivery market grows by over 8% annually, the demand for safer delivery practices has never been higher. Two-wheeler drivers face greater safety risks as they navigate tight timelines for food delivery and hot food takeout services within bustling urban centres – often within 60 minutes of orders being placed.

The pressure to perform can contribute to riskier driving behaviour. This is where AI-powered insights can be a game-changer. By leveraging these insights to monitor and coach safe driving practices, solutions such as Sentiance Rider Safety are designed to save lives by providing a safer rider solution to the gig economy.

A partnership between South African technology service company Digital Solutions Group (DSG) and global mobility solutions provider Sentiance, this solution can significantly reduce distracted driving, resulting in fewer accidents and injuries for both drivers and pedestrians.

“Ensuring driver safety isn’t just a benefit for gig economy workers; it’s a corporate responsibility that enhances brand reputation and aligns with our commitment to ethical business practices,” says Yaron Assabi, founder of DSG. “Through our partnership with Sentiance, we’re helping companies leverage innovative technology to protect drivers and foster safer communities.”

According to the World Health Organization’s Road Safety Report, Africa has the highest road fatality rate globally, with two-wheeler fatalities accounting for 20% of all road user deaths on the continent. This highlights the urgent need to enhance two-wheeler safety for all road users, particularly with the boom in two-wheeler last-mile delivery, alongside the massive scooter-taxi industry and push for electric two-wheelers in countries like Rwanda.

Driver safety solutions can help retailers meet local safety standards, reducing potential legal and operational challenges. Prioritising driver safety demonstrates a commitment to social impact, reflecting well on both corporate values and business operations. Furthermore, smoother driving positively impacts fuel consumption, creating a more fuel-efficient delivery experience. This benefit aligns with companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals by reducing the carbon emissions associated with delivery bikes.

Sentiance Rider Safety features a “Safe Driving Score”, which according to its developers has already contributed to reducing distracted driving by 60% and accidents by 56%, consequently leading to up to 50% fewer insurance claims. It provides real-time performance feedback, tracking metrics such as good driving streaks, focused driving sessions, crash alerts, and validated crash forensics reports. These insights encourage safer driving habits, benefiting both drivers and companies.

This level of impact demonstrates the effectiveness of AI-driven safety initiatives that enhance both driver behaviour and safety metrics. Retailers can therefore benefit from lower insurance premiums, thanks to fewer claims and proactive risk management. Investing in driver safety also builds consumer trust and strengthens the brand’s ethical reputation.

“Our Rider Safety Solution empowers companies to address safety challenges in real-time, reducing distracted driving and accident rates. This collaboration with DSG enables us to bring our technology to Africa’s growing market, setting a new standard for how data-driven insights can make roads safer and support sustainable business practices,” says Toon Vanparys, CEO of Sentiance.

As Africa’s gig economy continues to expand, leveraging AI insights may play an increasingly important role in driver safety, establishing essential standards for safer communities and contributing to business sustainability.