Paul Reece reflects on alleged murder of Uber driver Scott Cabrie

Until the disappearance and brutal death of their mate and fellow driver, Hervey Bay’s Uber drivers never had reason to be afraid. Now the need for risk assessments before they take their next ride is more important than ever.

The Uber drivers of Hervey Bay have picked people up in backstreets and outside pubs and clubs.

They’ve dealt with intoxicated people and in some instances, they have copped abuse.

But until the disappearance of their mate and fellow, Scott Cabrie, who was allegedly murdered after he picked up a group of people in his vehicle on February 7, they never had reason to be afraid.

On February 12, Mr Cabrie’s body was found near a boat ramp on Power House Rd in Howard.

Two teenagers have since been charged with the 47-year-old Toogoom man’s murder.

Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie.

On Friday, Paul Reece and Ian Roberts attended a vigil held for Mr Cabrie.

Mr Reece’s car, which he uses to drive for the ride share company, was covered in Mentos, a reminder of Mr Cabrie’s hospitality to every customer who climbed inside his vehicle.

Mr Reece knew Mr Cabrie when he worked at Koala Backpackers and it was his mate who got him into driving for Uber.

A vigil was held on Torquay Beach for slain Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie. Scott's good mate Paul Reece. Picture: Patrick Woods.

But the tragic circumstances have forced the drivers to contemplate their future with the service.

Mr Reece said his wife had just started driving for Uber four months ago.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing? And she works nights as well,” he said.

“I think the big thing is, we’re here to do a service.”

By and large people did appreciate the Uber drivers, Mr Reece said.

A vigil has been held on Torquay Beach for slain Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He said part of being an Uber driver was doing a risk assessment of every customer.

Mr Roberts said he had been driving with the service for three years.

He said it was testament to Mr Cabrie’s popularity, seeing the hundreds of people at Friday night’s vigil.

Both men said they would continue to drive despite their concerns.

A vigil has been held on Torquay Beach for slain Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Last week, Hervey Bay Uber driver Yvette Beattie shared her fears in the wake of Mr Cabrie’s alleged murder.

She said the drivers were left feeling concerned about their own safety, with Ms Beattie opting not to pick up fares after learning of her friend’s death.

“We’re all feeling it,” she said.

“That could have happened to any one of us.”

A funeral service will be held for Mr Cabrie on the beach at Toogoom on the corner of Kingfisher Parade and Helm Street on February 24 at 10am.