Home › Guides › Carpool safety tips for passengers and drivers

Carpool safety tips for passengers and drivers

TravellBuddy guides · 2026-10-26

Carpooling with someone new is usually easy and friendly. A few simple habits make it safer and more comfortable for everyone. Here is what we recommend, and how TravellBuddy helps with each.

Before you book or accept

• Look at the profile. Check the person's rating and reviews. Passengers and drivers rate each other after every trip, so the history tells you how past trips went.
• Check the Verified driver label. Drivers can submit their driving licence, ID and vehicle registration. Drivers approved by our team show “Verified driver”; new drivers show “Unverified driver” until then. You can filter search to verified drivers only.
• Read the ride details. Departure time, route on the map, vehicle, seats left and the driver's preferences (music, smoking, pets, conversation). If something doesn't match what you expect, choose another ride.

Agree the details

• Pick a public pickup point. When you book, you can request your own pickup and drop-off along the route. A busy, well-lit landmark is easier for both of you.
• Use the booking note. Mention luggage, a landmark, or a stop you'd like to make, so there are no surprises on the day.
• Agree the fare up front. The price per seat is shown before you book. You pay the driver directly, so agree how you'll pay before you set off.

On the day

• Board with your code. Show your QR boarding pass or say your 4-digit code, so the driver knows the right person is getting in, and you know it's the right car.
• Match the car. Check the vehicle and number plate shown in the app before you get in.
• Share your trip live. From your booking, tap “Share trip live” and send the link to family or a friend by WhatsApp, SMS or email. They can follow the journey in a browser until you're dropped off.

If something feels wrong

• SOS. Press SOS in the app. You have 5 seconds to cancel; then TravellBuddy receives your alert with your location (when available), your phone opens a pre-written text with a map link for your emergency contacts, and you can call the emergency number with one tap.
• Call 112. TravellBuddy doesn't contact the police for you. If you're in danger, call 112 straight away.
• Report and review. After the trip, leave an honest review. Offensive or fake reviews can be reported.

For drivers

• Accept requests from people whose profile and ratings you're comfortable with; you don't have to accept every request.
• Scan the passenger's QR code or enter their 4-digit code at pickup.
• Keep to the agreed route and stops, and drive as you would with family on board.

Read more about TravellBuddy's safety tools.

Download for Android