Ensuring Passenger Safety As A Driver

Safety is a key component of the Kari experience. As a driver, it's important to follow traffic laws as well as the guidelines below to provide safe, dependable rides on the Kari platform. This includes illegally using handheld electronic devices while driving your vehicle.

Pull over safely for pickups and drop-offs

Passengers love getting picked up exactly where they've requested the ride, especially if they aren't very mobile (carrying things or in bad weather, etc). However, if a passenger asks you to pick them up at a busy intersection and you can't sit and wait, send a message through the app and ask them how long it may take for them to come out. You can either circle the block or wait somewhere else until they call to confirm that they are outside. If the passenger says they are going to be more than 5-10 minutes, feel free let them know that the app will automatically start charging a waiting fee 5 minutes after you arrive.

Passengers feel unsafe when drivers ask for their 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 be their Facebook friend. If passengers are interested in staying in touch, it is up to them to ask for your contact information or offer you theirs.

Check out some pro-tips for interacting with passengers:

• It helps to be professional. We always emphasize being friendly, but there is such a thing as being too friendly. Keep conversation light, and follow the passenger's lead.
• We recommend that you do not take personal calls while driving. A phone call-free ride creates a friendlier and more welcoming environment for passengers.
• We advise that you avoid discussing sensitive subjects such as dating, politics, religion, and sexual orientation.
• Some passengers are looking for a quiet, peaceful ride and may not want to talk. You may not want to force a conversation with a quiet passenger.
• Discrimination of any kind is not allowed on the platform.

Only accept rides through the app - don't pick up street hails

For safety and legal reasons, you can only pick up passengers matched directly through the Kari app. If someone asks for a ride without using the app, simply suggest they download the Kari app and request a ride from one of the available community drivers (which will be you, if you're the closest driver).

Make sure everyone wears a seatbelt

Drivers should only take as many passengers as there are seat belts in the vehicle. Bigger groups of passengers should split into two cars, or use KariXL, which can seat up to 6 passengers.

Don't pick up minors unaccompanied by an adult

Passengers are more than welcome to request rides for their friends, though we do ask that they give you a heads up. Children 17 or under, however, are not permitted to ride without being accompanied by an adult. 

Unsafe rides

Passenger feedback may be an indicator of unsafe driving or general safety concerns. Too many of these can result in account deactivation.