This document discusses a study on ridesharing and safety. It presents key findings from surveys of 1000 non-rideshare members and 500 rideshare (BlaBlaCar) members in France. The study found that having passengers in the vehicle leads rideshare drivers to be safer drivers, with 98% finding it an enjoyable ride and 80% carefully respecting traffic laws. Overall, rideshare drivers displayed fewer risky driving behaviors than the general population. The presence of passengers was also found to have a positive impact on reducing risky behaviors for drivers in general. The ratings system on the rideshare platform helps build trust between drivers and passengers by motivating drivers to obtain good ratings through safer, friendlier driving.

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© TNS Juillet 2014
Ridesharing and safety
Presentation of key findings

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Sample
Methodology reminder
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 1000 non BlaBlaCar members,
nationally representative
sample
 500 BlaBlaCar members in
France
 Questionnaire Online (CAWI),
10 minutes in length
Data collection
 Non members:
26 November – 16 December
 BlaBlaCar members:
2 December – 27 January
Fieldwork dates

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1
Ridesharing and safety:
So what’s the story ?

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As for BlaBlaCar drivers, the impact of taking passengers for a ride is dual:
an otherwise boring trip becomes a moment of conviviality, and as drivers
they remain more alert and attentive to the rules of the road.
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98% declare that it
makes for an enjoyable
ride overall For 79% it helps them
remain fully awake and
alert at the wheel71% declare that it
makes for a stress-free
ride 80% find that it forces
them to carefully
respect the rules of the
road
Base: BlaBlaCar members

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Overall, BlaBlaCar members become safer and more respectful drivers
thanks to the positive impact of taking passengers on board with them.
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Base: Gen pop and BBC member drivers
% of Outstanding drivers (little to no at-risk behaviour behind the wheel)
74%
45%
Gen popTarget 2

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Detailed findings

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2.1
Impact of passengers on driving
behaviors and safety

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Given their experience with taking passengers outside of their immediate
circle on board for a rideshare, BlaBlaCar members are clearly pushed to
be safer drivers than the average person.
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FR
Using my seat belt
Paying close attention to my wing and rearview mirrors
Using the proper indicator to signal a turn or lane-change
Controlling my road rage
Concerning the following driving behaviours, please indicate to what extent each applies to you personally as a driver. Base: Gen pop drivers and BlaBlaCar drivers
Proportion of drivers who do not display at-risk behaviour behind the wheel
Gen pop Target 2
Significant differences Gen pop. vs BBC Members (95% confidence level)

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Not talking or texting on my mobile phone while driving (not including hands-free mobile devices)
Avoiding tailgating
Checking my tyre pressure
Respecting the speed limit
Taking breaks at least every 2-3 hours while driving long distances
Significant differences Gen pop. vs BBC Members (95% confidence level)
Gen pop Target 2
Concerning the following driving behaviours, please indicate to what extent each applies to you personally as a driver. Base: Gen pop drivers and BlaBlaCar drivers
Proportion of drivers who do not display at-risk behaviour behind the wheel
FR

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It’s certain the presence of passengers improves safety for all on board,
according to drivers in general.
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For each of the following items, please indicate whether or not the presence of passengers in your vehicle has a positive impact on your behaviour as a driver.
Base: Gen pop drivers and BlaBlaCar drivers
Impact of passengers on at-risk behaviours
Not taking breaks at least every 2-3 hours while driving long distances
Driving 15km or more over the speed limit
Being prone to road rage
Tailgating
(% Top 2 Box Strong + slight positive impact)
Gen pop
FR

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Neglecting to check my tyre pressure
For each of the following items, please indicate whether or not the presence of passengers in your vehicle has a positive impact on your behaviour as a driver.
Base: Gen pop drivers and BlaBlaCar drivers
Impact of passengers on at-risk behaviours
Forgetting to use the proper indicator to signal a turn or lane-change
Forgetting to look at my wing and rearview mirrors
Talking or texting on my mobile phone while driving (not including hands-free mobile devices)
Forgetting to use my seat belt
Gen pop
(% Top 2 Box Strong + slight positive impact)
FRFR

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2.2
Building trust between drivers &
passengers

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The foundation of the trust between BlaBlaCar drivers and passengers is the
community’s ratings system: for the large majority of drivers, passenger
ratings have a positive influence on their behaviour behind the wheel.
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FR
I try to be as welcoming and friendly as possible in order to obtain good passenger ratings
My passenger reviews incite me to be a safer driver on the road
I pay close attention to the ratings or comments that passengers leave on my profile
Slightly agree Strongly agree # Top 2 Box Agree
Base: BBC Drivers 2876
(%)
To what degree do you agree or disagree with the following statements concerning the ratings systems on the BlaBlaCar website?
Base: BlaBlaCar drivers
Opinion of BlaBlaCar ratings system