Keeping passengers safe
Updated
by Hitchhyke Admin
Safety is a key component of the Hitchhyke experience. As a Hitchhyke driver, it’s important to follow traffic laws and the guidelines below to provide safe rides.
How to ensure passenger safety
- There are several best practices that you can keep in mind while giving a ride:
- Only drive on your profile. Make sure you’re logged into your personal Hitchhyke account when giving rides. Your profile photo should match what you currently look like so passengers can tell it’s you.
- Pull over safely. If a passenger asks you to pick them up at a busy intersection where you can’t wait, call and ask how long it may take. You can either circle the block or wait elsewhere until they call you to confirm that they’re outside.
- Drive your approved vehicle(s). You’re only approved to give rides in the vehicle(s) on your profile. If you want to switch vehicles, make sure the photo on your app matches the new vehicle before giving rides. See instructions for switching your vehicle.
- Don’t bring your friends or family along. Hitchhyke passengers expect to get a professional, vetted driver. It can make passengers feel unsafe if there’s an unknown person accompanying the ride.
- Try using a phone mount. Navigating a ride is difficult if you’re having to look down at your phone for directions. We recommend using a phone mount to keep your hands free and eyes on the road.
- Obey all traffic laws. Always remember to follow traffic laws and city/state regulations when driving. This includes signaling lane changes, following speed limits, and more.
- Don’t pick up unaccompanied minors. Children under 13 aren’t permitted to ride without being accompanied by an adult. If you believe that someone requested a ride for an unaccompanied minor, report it in the app.
- Make sure everyone wears a seatbelt. Drivers should only take as many as passengers as there are seatbelts in the car. Bigger groups of passengers should split into two cars, or select more seats for their ride.
- Don’t ask for a passenger’s contact information. As a driver, you should never ask for the contact information of a passenger. Passengers often feel uncomfortable if you ask for their number or to connect on social apps. If passengers want to stay in touch, it is up to them to ask for your contact information or offer you theirs.
- Tips for interacting with passengers:
- It helps to be professional. While we emphasize being friendly, there’s such a thing as being too friendly. Keep conversation light, and follow the passenger’s lead.
- We recommend that you don’t take personal calls while driving. A phone call-free ride creates a friendlier and more welcoming environment for passengers.
- We advise avoiding sensitive subjects such as dating, politics, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Some passengers want a quiet, peaceful ride and may not want to talk. You may not want to force a conversation with a quiet passenger.
