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, often within 60 minutes of orders being placed, and hot food takeout services within bustling urban centres.
The pressure to perform can contribute to riskier driving behaviour. This is where the Sentiance Rider Safety solution can be a game-changer. Designed to save lives every mile by providing a safer rider solution to the gig economy, it provides food delivery companies with a way to leverage AI-powered insights to monitor and coach safe driving practices.
Developed from the partnership between South African technology service company Digital Solutions Group (DSG) and global mobility solutions provider Sentiance, the Sentiance Rider Safety 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. Through our partnership with Sentiance, we’re helping companies leverage innovative technology to protect drivers and foster safer communities,” says Yaron Assabi, Founder of DSG.
According to the World Health Organization’s Road Safety Report, the African Region holds the highest road fatality rate globally with two-wheeler fatalities accounting for 20% of all road user deaths on the continent, double that of Europe. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for solutions like Sentiance Rider Safety, an essential tool for enhancing two-wheeler safety for all road users.
The Sentiance Rider Safety solution helps 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.
The solution features a Safe Driving Score which has already contributed to reducing distracted driving by 60%, accidents by 56%, and generated 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 the African gig economy continues to expand, DSG and Sentiance are leading the way in driver safety, establishing essential standards for safer communities and contributing to business sustainability.