Collision Avoidance and Driving Safely

Defensive drivers are able to avoid dangers on the road by using their safe driving practices to prevent possible collisions caused by bad drivers, weather conditions, and various potential hazards.
                                 
To ensure the safety of yourself and others while driving, consider the following:

• Plan ahead to account for potential road hazards or bad weather conditions and give yourself extra time to drive safely at an adjusted, minimized speed if needed.
• Follow all traffic laws, including following speed limits and wearing your seatbelt while driving. Speed limits take into account various factors to prevent accidents and wearing a seat belt greatly reduces the risk of injury if an accident does occur.
• Avoid distractions that could cause you to take your eyes off the road such as texting or eating while driving.
  *Note: Texting while driving is illegal in most states.
• Remain attentive, focused, and cautious at all times while driving. While alert, drivers are better prepared for unexpected pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles, animals, or other drivers. 
• Maintain a safe distance between other vehicles, enabling more reaction time to stop or slow down when needed without collision.
• Utilize a phone mount in your car, where you can see navigational guidance easily without taking your hands off the wheel or looking away from the road.
  *Note: In some areas, laws require phone mounts.
• Check mirrors frequently to stay aware of your current surroundings and avoid collisions while driving.
• Refrain from impaired driving, which includes being under the influence of heavy medication, drugs, alcohol, or lack of sleep. Impaired drivers lack control of motor skills, resulting in a severely slower reaction time.
  *Note: The law prohibits driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a vehicle.    

What are some ways to stay safe while delivering?

• If you are in an emergency situation, contact 911 right away. If you ever feel unsafe while delivering, you may use the safety assistance feature on the Help tab of the app.

What should I do to report an emergency?

• If you are involved in an emergency incident that you believe threatens your personal safety, we suggest first contacting local law enforcement in your area by calling 911 or your local non-emergency line.
• After contacting 911, we recommend contacting Shipt Support – they will escalate your report to our Trust and Safety Team right away. You may also be asked to complete an Incident Report to gather additional details. To report an issue, click here.

How do I report a non-emergency safety incident?

• Our dedicated Shipt Support team is here to support you via live chat, phone, or email, and they will escalate your report to our Trust and Safety Team. You may also be asked to complete an Incident Report to gather additional details.

What should I do if I'm in a car accident while I'm on the way to pick up or deliver?

• First, contact the appropriate authorities to receive roadside assistance and document what happened. Afterward, call or live chat Shipt Support to provide details of the accident and determine the best next course of action. If applicable, you will be provided with an Incident Report Form that you may fill out at your earliest convenience.

How does Shipt handle potentially inclement weather?

• Shipt is always monitoring for unfavorable weather conditions and handles them on a case-by-case basis. If there is potentially dangerous weather, drivers will be notified via text or in-app push notifications with any need-to-know information about Shipt operations. 
• If you are ever concerned about inclement weather in your area, consider only claiming routes you feel that you can complete safely or taking yourself off the schedule until you feel comfortable completing routes again. 
• If you're concerned about the weather in your area, please reach out to Shipt Support via live chat or phone.

Is there a way to protect my account?

• Drivers are able to set up 2-factor authentication through the app — It’s an optional but easy way to add an extra layer of protection to your account.

Does Shipt have a firearms policy?

• Yes. It’s important that partners, pickup associates, and package recipients feel safe using our service. Therefore, drivers are prohibited from possessing firearms while picking up and/or delivering routes, unless otherwise required by applicable law. 
• Any driver found to have violated this policy will lose their ability to be a Driver with Shipt.

Can I smoke while delivering?

• Smoking while delivering for Shipt is strongly discouraged. Delivered packages that smell of smoke can be considered damaged.
• Tobacco smoke and the lingering odor it produces is an irritant that can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild breathing problems to severe asthma attacks. Please be mindful of these irritants when delivering packages.