Hitchhyke Safety Policies

At Hitchhyke, the safety of our passengers and drivers is our top priority. We have developed comprehensive safety policies to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone using our platform. These policies are designed to protect both passengers and drivers, as well as maintain the highest standards of service and trust.

Driver Screening and Annual Police Reports:

• All potential drivers must undergo a thorough screening process that includes submitting annual police screening reports. This report will verify their driving records, criminal history, and other relevant records to ensure they meet our safety standards.
• Drivers must possess a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance:

• All potential drivers must undergo a thorough screening process that includes submitting annual police screening reports. This report will verify their driving records, criminal history, and other relevant records to ensure they meet our safety standards.
• Drivers must possess a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Zero-Tolerance Drug and Alcohol Policy:

• We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use by drivers while using the platform. Any driver found to be under the influence will be immediately suspended and may face permanent removal from the platform.
• Passengers are also prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol during a ride, and drivers have the right to refuse service to anyone they suspect to be under the influence.

In-App Safety Features:

• Our app includes several safety features, such as GPS tracking, emergency alerts, and easy communication between passengers and drivers. These features allow both parties to feel secure during the ride and help resolve any issues that may arise.
• In case of emergencies, passengers & drivers can use the in-app emergency button to contact local authorities and their designated emergency contacts.

Rating System and Feedback:

• Both passengers and drivers are encouraged to rate and review each other after each ride. This feedback system helps maintain the quality and safety of our community.
• We closely monitor ratings and reviews to address any safety concerns and take appropriate action if necessary.

Privacy Protection:

• We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users. Personal information, such as phone numbers and addresses, are encrypted and not shared between passengers and drivers.
• Drivers are required to follow strict privacy guidelines and are prohibited from contacting passengers outside of the platform.

Incident Reporting and Resolution:

• We encourage users to report any safety incidents or concerns through the app. We take all reports seriously and will investigate each case thoroughly.
• We are committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly, taking appropriate actions that may include warnings, suspensions, or removal from the platform.
• Emergency assistance during a ride
  • If you need emergency assistance during a ride, you can now request help directly from the app.
  • Riders & Drivers can discreetly request help by tapping the panic button in the app. If you do not cancel the alert within 5 seconds, Hitchhyke will contact law enforcement & your emergency contacts on your behalf to share your location details. You won't be contacted by phone unless requested.
    • Law enforcement will be contacted via robocall and provided with a weblink and 6-digit code to live-view your ride. The following details will be shared with law enforcement:
      • Your Pickup & Drop-off Locations
      • Your Pickup & Drop-off Times
      • Your Current Location
      • The rider's name, age, gender, verification documents (if provided), and contact information
      • The driver's name, verification documents, profile picture, contact information, and vehicle details
    • Your emergency contacts will be contacted via SMS, In-App Notification, Email, & Robocall and provided with an expirable weblink to live-view your ride. It is important to note that the weblink provided to your emergency contacts will require OTP verification, and as such, will only be accessible by those emergency contacts. The following details will be shared with your emergency contacts:
      • Your Pickup & Drop-off Locations
      • Your Pickup & Drop-off Times
      • Your Current Location
      • Your Name & Contact information
  • After the ride has ended, you will be contacted by Hitchhyke support to provide details of the incident and to perform any follow-up steps required.
  • Failing to provide follow-up details or perform the required follow-up steps may result in your account being suspended or permanently removed.

Policy against sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment:

• At Hitchhyke, we believe all users of the Hitchhyke platform deserve a respectful and safe ride environment. To that end, Hitchhyke, and in many instances, the law, prohibit any form of sexual assault or sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment.
  • Sexual assault is physical or attempted physical conduct that is sexual in nature and without the consent of the user. Sexual in nature could be, but is not limited to, the context of body parts such as the mouth, breasts, buttocks, or genitalia.
  • Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, is non-physical conduct (verbal or staring) of a sexual nature that is without consent or has the effect of threatening or intimidating a user against whom such conduct is directed. This includes explicit or non-explicit verbal comments, such as flirting, personal comments on appearance, and inquiries on relationship status. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual experiences that do not involve physical contact, such as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and sexual comments.
• The following are examples of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. This is not intended to be an exhaustive or exclusive list when determining whether there has been a violation of this policy:
  • Physical touching, groping, pinching, kissing, hugging, patting, tickling, brushing against another person's body, assault, coerced sexual acts, impeding or blocking movements;
  • Unwanted advances or propositions, such as repeated requests for dates or sexual favors; suggestive or obscene messages or invitations;
  • Non-verbal conduct such as staring, leering, or gestures;
  • Catcalling (shouting, yelling, whistling);
  • Unwanted sharing or display of visuals that are sexually suggestive (objects, posters, cartoons, pictures, or drawings);
  • Verbal conduct such as lewd remarks, sex-based epithets, obscene comments, derogatory comments, sexually degrading words, slurs, sexual jokes, innuendo, or unwanted flirtations;
  • Graphic comments about an individual's body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies
• We strongly encourage the prompt reporting of all incidents of potential sexual assault, misconduct, or harassment to Hitchhyke. Hitchhyke has established a process for users to submit complaints through the Hitchhyke app or by phone and will conduct an impartial and timely investigation to reach reasonable conclusions based on the information collected. If an allegation is credible, Hitchhyke will take action up to and including permanently removing a user's access to ride and/or drive with Hitchhyke. Hitchhyke's investigation process ensures confidentiality to the extent possible and consistent with Hitchhyke's Privacy Policy. There will be no retaliation for making a good faith complaint or participating in an investigation against another user.
• Because the intent of this policy is to deter conduct that is unwanted, unreasonable, and demeaning, Hitchhyke may consider a user's conduct to be in violation of this policy even if it does not rise to the level of unlawful assault or harassment under applicable law.

At Hitchhyke, we are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all users. We continuously update and improve our safety policies to ensure the highest standards of service and trust. By working together, we can make ridesharing a safe, convenient, and enjoyable experience for everyone.