When you’re meeting someone to travel with them for the first time it’s good to be prepared as it will help you feel safer.

Ridesharing is a great way to meet people; but if you’re worried about driving with strangers, just follow Jayride’s five point safety list below.

1. Be Prepared

Make sure you have all the information: Your rideshare’s real name, username, phone number and email address, and details about where and when the ride is leaving.

Bring a cell phone so you can call a friend if things don’t work out. If you’re driving, have your license with you, as your passenger might want to see it. As a passenger carry some ID with your name on it so the driver can be sure who you are, and if you have to pay the driver don’t forget your money!

2. Meet and greet

Get to know the person you’ll be ridesharing with before you get in a car with them. First, use Jayride’s private message system to contact them by email. If their reply sounds good, then meet them somewhere public like a coffee shop first.

When you meet, confirm who they are, and get to know them a little. They should know the email address you contacted them on, their username and all their ride details. If they’ll be driving, ask to see their drivers license, and double check the name and photo. As a last step, write down their license plate number and TXT (SMS) it to a friend.

If you like the person, are happy and confident that everything is good, then you’re ready to take the ride.

3. Be careful of traffic

The biggest danger on the road for drivers, ridesharers and hitchhikers is simple road safety!

If you’re driving try not to be distracted by your passengers. Taking your eyes off the road, especially when driving in traffic can cause an accident! If you’re a passenger, be aware of your driver. If you are concerned about their driving, don’t be afraid to politely let them know how you feel – this is the safest thing for everyone.

If you are waiting to be picked up, be aware. Passing traffic can be dangerous! Stand well back from traffic in a highly visible space. If possible, avoid waiting at night as you will be less visible.

4. TXT SAFE

If you’re still nervous, send a TXT on your mobile to 7233 (SAFE). SAFE is a service in New Zealand that records your message, phone number and the time of TXT. Send details of your whereabouts to SAFE, and if anything goes wrong it can be forwarded to the police.

Remember if you ever feel threatened, dial 111 emergency. You can get more information about SAFE, here

5. In Doubt? Get Out!

The main rule of safe ride-sharing is to simply use common sense, be confident, and if you ever feel unsafe; call it off.

As a passenger, you can ask the driver to stop at any point. Remember, no matter where you are you can always call a taxi to take you the rest of the way.

Be safe on the road! Visit New Zealand’s most popular ride-sharing website: http://www.jayride.co.nz

Ridesharing in NZ - safer than this.