Security: Bolt Nigeria launches N4,810 monthly dashcam service for drivers

A leading e-hailing company in Nigeria, Bolt, has announced the launch of a dashcam service for drivers nationwide. This was disclosed in a statement seen by Technext.

Described as a first-of-its-kind, the service will be provided in partnership with a dash cam and safety technology service provider, Driver Technologies.

According to the company, the dashcam service, which will be a feature in its app, will allow drivers to turn their mobile phones into a forward-facing exterior and driver-facing interior dash camera, with videos backed up in the cloud. The service will be charged at a 75 per cent discount rate of N4,810 per month.

Speaking about the development, General Manager Osi Oguah said the heavily discounted service will empower drivers with the tools they need to create safer working and travelling conditions for themselves and for their passengers.

“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 dash-cam functionality, our partnership with Driver Technologies ensures they can access the tools they need to create safer environments for themselves and their passengers at a discounted rate,” he said.

How Bolt’s smartphone dashcam will work

Bolt introduced a similar smartphone-to-dashcam initiative in South Africa three months ago. The initiative was developed in partnership with Driver Technologies, an AI-based mobility technology company, which also handles the Nigerian project.

See also: Bolt launches smartphone-dashcams for South African drivers

While Bolt Nigeria did not state how the dashcam will work. But one would not expect it to be very different from South Africa, where the feature enables Bolt drivers to convert their regular smartphones into dashcams. Thus, they can access inexpensive, high-quality dash cam capabilities directly from their cellphones.

The 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.

The feature is expected to provide 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, 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.

The smartphone-to-dashcam initiative marks a new chapter in Bolt’s drive towards 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 across Nigeria who have constantly been staging protests against the insensitivity of app companies toward their safety.

With the scheme, Bolt says it aims to help reduce safety incidents and support driver partners with evidence for Customer Support and the Police.

“This can also be useful in insurance claims in case of accidents, as both the interior and exterior of the car will be recorded. Driver Technologies will provide Bolt drivers with IT support, as well as data handling and processing support,” the company said.

Drivers will receive a free month of the premium dash cam app and then be able to access the premium app at a 75% discounted rate. The monthly fee enables unlimited trip storage, access, and sharing capabilities of dash cam footage via the Driver Cloud. Driver Technologies will also provide technical support and assist with data management for participating Bolt drivers, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.