More and more drivers are entering the independent delivery world. With Uber, Lyft, Amazon delivery, and other food and grocery deliverers becoming more popular, new delivery drivers are in demand. But how many new drivers already know the rules of the road?
Rules of the Road for Drivers
Most American drivers know the basic rules and laws of how to drive. However, new drivers from outside of the states may not be familiar with some of our road laws.
Written Rules:
- Always drive on the right side of the road. 78 countries and territories drive on the left-hand side of the road. 163 countries, including the U.S., drive on the right.
- Pay attention to the colored lines. Solid yellow lines mean don’t cross. Ever. Dashed or broken yellow lines indicate you can pass another vehicle as long as traffic is clear. Solid white lines mean stay in your lane. Dashed white lines mean you can change lanes.
- Pass carefully. When passing slower traffic, us the left lane. Don’t use the right lane unless necessary – right lane is for slower traffic. If you’re in the left lane and someone is trying to pass you, slide over to the right lane when safe.
- Make way for emergency vehicles. On the interstate, slide over to the rightmost lane if possible. In the city, pull over to the side or stop to let them by. Simply put, get out of their way.
- Yield to pedestrians. People have the right of way.
Unwritten Rules:
- Don’t ride someone’s tail. If you don’t like people riding your tail, what makes you think they want you riding theirs?
- Don’t over-honk. Use your horn for emergency situations or for scaring a friend who doesn’t know you’re the driver. Especially don’t honk at other delivery drivers who are stuck in a tight spot to pick up a rider.
- Be careful with your breaks. Pay attention to the traffic around you. For your interest, your rider’s interest and the people around you’s well-being, don’t slam on the breaks unless you need to. Try to gradually slow down – it makes for a much smoother ride.
Basic Car Rules for Drivers
In addition to knowing and abiding by the basic rules of the road, a new rideshare driver needs to be aware of the right driver etiquette inside the car. Any client who has a bad driver experience is not going to tip well, so knowing how to keep your rider happy and tipping is suitable for both of you.
What to do:
- Always make sure you have the right customer. Whenever someone gets in your car, ask their name and make sure they’re the person you’re supposed to pick up.
- Check the destination address. Make sure you’re going to the right place.
- Strike up a conversation. Once the rider enters the car, try to get a feel of how talkative they are and adjust to them.
- Have a clean car. Please. Keep your car clean and smelling sweet.
- Keep an extra charging cord. Having an extra phone charger isn’t necessary, but riders will sure appreciate it.
- Be kind. People like people who like people. Make them feel special. Investing in a person’s life, even for a short car ride can brighten a person’s day. And a smile goes a long way.
What not to do:
- Take phone calls. No one wants to sit in awkward silence and pretend to not be listening to your conversation.
- Send messages on your phone. Not only is this dangerous, but you’re also sending signals that you aren’t paying attention to the client or the road.
Once you master the rules of the road, and the rules of your car, you’re well on your way to becoming a coveted driver. Ratings and reports will be increasingly positive as your car side manner improves.
For more tips and tricks, follow us on social media and join the driver community. Join us on Facebook to connect with other drivers in the industry. And don’t forget to check back on Rapidgo for more courses and information.
If you felt like this blog post was helpful, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on Uber and delivery driving. In this guide, we offer many helpful tips that you won’t find anywhere else. Click here to see it today!
