Safety info for drivers
Updated
by Hitchhyke Admin
Safety is our highest priority and a key component to the Hitchhyke ride experience. As a driver, it’s important to ensure that both you and your passenger(s) feel comfortable during a ride. Below, we’ve included some helpful resources and tips for handling unsafe situations.
Emergency situations
- As part of Hitchhyke’s commitment to your safety & security, you can now send emergency alerts through the app.
- Tap the shield icon on the lower right side of the screen.
- Swipe the ‘Contact Emergency Services’ to send an alert to law enforcement. (Visits here for more info: Hitchhyke Safety Policies: Incident Reporting and Resolution: Emergency assistance during a ride)
Protecting yourself and your vehicle
- Here are some safety tip to help you feel prepared and secure whenever and wherever you drive.
- Tips to Protect Yourself:
- Put your safety first. Your personal safety always comes first. That’s why it’s important to trust your gut. Follow your instincts and leave the area if you’re in an uncomfortable or unsafe place or situation.
- Stay aware and alert. Protect yourself, your riders, and others around you by staying aware and alert. Always check your surroundings before entering and exiting your vehicle. If you notice suspicious behavior or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, leave the area and immediately call 119. You can also discreetly send emergency alerts in your app to get emergency help during a ride.
- Start each ride by confirming your rider’s name and their trip secret code. Before each ride, a secret code is generated and sent to both you and your rider. Remember to confirm your rider’s name and code before unlocking your vehicle and inviting them in.
- Tips to Protect Your Vehicle:
- Secure your vehicle and keep your valuables with you. Keep your vehicle safe by locking your doors and taking your keys and phone with you to help prevent theft. Make sure no personal or valuable items are in plain sight before you exit your vehicle.
- Keep moving between rides. Avoid idling for long periods. Your vehicle should only be idle for a few minutes before either moving or turning your engine off.
- Park with safety in mind. When parking, especially at night, stick to well-lit and well-traveled areas. Remember to always lock your doors and roll your windows up.
Additional resources and guidelines
- Two-way rating system:
- Our two-way rating system helps ensure the safety and comfort of the Hitchhyke community. At the end of the ride, drivers and passengers can rate each other on a scale of 1-5 stars, 5 being the best. If you rate a passenger less than 3 stars, the app will ensure that you’ll not be paired with this passenger in the future.
- You should base your rating on your ride experience. You’ll have the option to provide specific feedback, so we know which areas to improve.
