Déjà vroom as Uber driver hits pillar again

For the second time this year, a Christchurch Uber driver’s exit strategy involved crashing into Steve Pawson’s driveway pillar and then departing the scene.

After already paying $1200 to repair damage from a February crash, Pawson is bewildered it has happened again with another driver.

“It’s crazy really, what are the chances? It seems like some of these drivers just don’t have any respect for personal property,” he said.

The latest incident involved a white Honda Fit that struck the pillar while leaving Pawson’s Bishopdale rental property about 8.30am on Saturday.

The impact knocked the pillar forward, and Pawson estimates replacing it could cost up to $3000.

“I don’t know what kind of safety or training requirements Uber drivers have, but how hard is it to just be honest, knock on a door and give your details?”

This time, Pawson’s security camera captured the driver’s licence plate, giving him hope of recovering costs through insurance.

Earlier this year, he spent more than two months trying unsuccessfully to track down the February driver through insurance and Uber, but without a licence plate he got nowhere.

Uber refused to provide contact details or approach the driver on Pawson’s behalf, citing its privacy policy.

“I can afford this, okay, but I want people to know that if an Uber driver does come onto your property and causes damage, then good luck about getting information about the driver if they drive off,” he told The Star at the time.

Uber did not respond to questions from The Star.

Pawson is now considering whether the layout of his driveway, which runs directly to the pillar, could be contributing to the crashes.

“I’ll have to have a look at that, but there’s no excuse to just drive off.”