First “Highway Code” for car-sharers

Need a ride from London to Paris? Or just back and forth to work each day? Try ride-sharing, which is booming, thanks both to soaring petrol prices and growing official support.

It saves money, fuel and pollution. It delivers you to your door. If done right, it’s far safer than traditional hitchhiking.

But if ridesharing is “the new hitchhiking”, how does it differ from the old kind? “It is much easier and safer to arrange a good ride-share via the web than it is to take your chances by the side of the road”, answers Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist, the classified ads website used by getting on for half a million people a year across the world to arrange ride-shares.

So, what precautions should people take before agreeing a ride-share via Craigslist, or any other means? Craigslist is answering the question by publishing the world’s first “Highway Code” For Car-Sharers, comprising a list of practical tips on the do’s and don’ts of safe and happy car-sharing.

The Craiglist Code For Car-Sharing:

Ask questions until you’re confident that the prospective driver and/or passenger(s) are people you will feel comfortable traveling with.

Questions should explore things like whether they are:

A safe driver
A smoker/non-smoker
Musically compatible (especially if it’s a long trip)

Willing to take turns driving (insurance and legalities allowing)

Let friends and family know your itinerary in advance
Carry your mobile with you
Agree payment before the trip
If you’re a woman, consider only traveling with other women
Wear your safety belt.
Use common sense.