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Keeping passengers safe

Safety is a key component of the Lyft experience. As a Lyft driver, it's important to follow traffic laws and the guidelines below to provide safe rides.
Community Safety Education
We’re committed to holding each other accountable. We've developed a Community Safety Education program in partnership with RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the US. We require all drivers to complete this program before they can access driver mode.
How to ensure passenger safety
There are several best practices that you can keep in mind while giving a ride:
  1. Only drive on your profile. Make sure you’re logged into your personal Lyft account when giving rides. Your profile photo should match what you currently look like so passengers can tell it's you.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Don’t bring your friends or family along. Lyft passengers expect to get a professional, vetted driver. It can make passengers feel unsafe if there's an unknown person accompanying the ride.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Don't pick up unaccompanied minors. Children 17 or under aren't permitted to ride without being accompanied by an adult. If you believe that someone requested a ride for an unaccompanied minor, contact us below.
  8. 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 use XL, which can seat up to five passengers.
  9. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. We advise avoiding sensitive subjects such as dating, politics, religion, and sexual orientation.
  4. 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.
  5. Discrimination of any kind is not allowed on the platform. Read more about our anti-discrimination policy.
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