Every trip starts with a promise: get our riders where they need to go, safely and comfortably. This refresher walks through the everyday habits that make the biggest difference on the road. It takes about 10 minutes to read, and you can come back to it anytime.
The big idea: drive smooth.
Smooth driving is safer for you, easier on your vehicle, and far more comfortable for riders. Many of the people you drive may be older adults or have medical or mobility needs, so a gentle ride matters even more.
1. Before you drive
A calm, prepared start sets up the whole trip.
- Do a quick walk-around. Check tires, lights, mirrors, and windshield. Make sure nothing is blocking your view.
- Set up your phone first. Mount it securely at eye level, and review the pickup and route before you shift out of park.
- Adjust your seat and mirrors. Do this before you start moving, not while driving.
- Be rested. If you are drowsy, take a break before you go online.
- Leave a little extra time. Rushing is where most bad habits begin.
2. Braking: look ahead, ease off early
Hard stops almost always come from noticing a problem too late. The fix is to look further down the road.
- Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead. In the city, that is about one to two blocks. Watch for brake lights, yellow lights, merging traffic, and pedestrians.
- Keep a 3 to 4 second following distance. Pick a fixed object, like a sign, and count the seconds after the car ahead passes it. Add extra time in rain, at night, or at highway speeds.
- Lift off the gas early. Let the car slow down on its own, then apply the brake gently and steadily.
- Ease off the brake just before you stop. This keeps the final stop soft instead of jerky.
3. Acceleration: build speed gradually
- Press the gas pedal smoothly. Imagine there is a cup of hot coffee on the dash.
- Take your time pulling away from stops and from pickups. Riders are often still settling in.
- Merge with a plan. Match the speed of traffic early rather than flooring it at the last moment.
4. Speed: match the road, not the clock
- Follow posted limits. Slow down in school zones, work zones, parking lots, and neighborhoods.
- Adjust for conditions. Rain, fog, ice, heavy traffic, and darkness all call for less speed than the limit.
- Do not speed to make up time. Running a few minutes late is always better than taking a risk. If you are going to be late, let the rider know through the app.
5. Turns and lane changes
- Slow down before the turn, not during it. Brake while the car is still straight, then roll gently through the corner.
- Signal early. Give other drivers plenty of notice.
- Check mirrors and blind spots. Look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging.
- Take wide, steady turns. Avoid sharp, sudden steering.
6. Phone and distractions
Looking away from the road for just two seconds at 35 mph means traveling about 100 feet without watching where you are going.
- Handle your phone before you move. Set the destination, choose your music, and answer messages while parked.
- Keep your phone in a mount. Do not hold it while driving.
- Need to look at the app? Pull over when it is safe to do so.
- Keep conversations calm. Friendly is great. Just keep your eyes and attention on the road.
- Skip eating, grooming, and other tasks while the vehicle is moving.
Tip: If you catch yourself reaching for your phone, take it as a signal to find a safe place to pull over.
7. Staying alert
- Take a break about every two hours, or sooner if you feel tired.
- Know the warning signs. Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting in your lane, or missing exits all mean it is time to stop.
- Do not push through. A short walk, some water, or a quick rest is better than driving drowsy.
8. Weather and night driving
- Slow down and leave more space in rain, snow, or fog. Roads are most slippery in the first few minutes of rain.
- Use your headlights whenever visibility is low.
- Keep your windshield and windows clear so you can see and be seen.
- Be extra patient at night. Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals are harder to spot.
9. Pickups and drop-offs
- Pull over in a safe, legal spot that is not in a travel lane or blocking traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights when stopped to load or unload.
- Wait until riders are fully seated and buckled before you start driving.
- Pull away gently. Check mirrors and blind spots first.
- Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles in parking lots and busy curbs.
Quick reference
| Situation | Do this | Avoid this |
|---|---|---|
| Slowing down | Look ahead, lift off early, brake gently | Late, sudden stops |
| Pulling away | Press the gas gradually | Quick launches |
| Speed | Follow limits and adjust for conditions | Speeding to catch up |
| Turning | Slow before the turn, signal early | Braking or accelerating hard mid-turn |
| Phone | Mount it, set it up while parked | Holding or scrolling while moving |
| Feeling tired | Pull over and rest | Pushing through |
| Bad weather | Slow down, add space, use headlights | Driving at normal speed and spacing |
Quick self-check
Before your next trip, ask yourself:
- Is my phone mounted and set up?
- Am I rested and ready to drive?
- Am I leaving enough space between me and the car ahead?
- Am I looking far enough down the road to slow down early?
- Am I giving my riders a calm, comfortable ride?
Questions or need support?
We want every driver to feel confident and supported on the road. If you have questions about anything in this article, reach out to us via the Wingz Driver App.
Thank you for everything you do for our riders.