We spoke to some drivers and riders in the slugging
community, they shared some guidelines for slugging. Although it is common
sense, there are some etiquette that must be followed. There are general rules
of etiquette in addition to those that apply to drivers and riders. It really
makes the ride worthwhile when you know what to do and what to avoid. Continue
reading to get a crash course on slugging etiquette.
General slugging
etiquette
1)
Greet with a
hello and say thank you at the end.
Both drivers and riders should greet each other with a
simple hello at the beginning of the rider. Why you ask? Because it is the right
thing to do! Stopping to pick up a stranger at a slug line or entering
someone’s car can be a bit awkward without a hello, right? Aside from that, at
the end of the drive say thank you. Both drivers and slugs have something to be
thankful for. Drivers gained access to the HOV lanes and slugs received a free
ride to work.
2)
Don’t force conversation.
Some drivers and slugs simply do not want to talk
while others are really friendly. If you would like to initiate a conversation
do so but if they do not seem interested simply stay quiet for the rest of the
drive. If you are in a vehicle in which conversation is welcome you can enjoy a
great commute and maybe even make a few business connections. Also, if
conversation does occur always avoid religion, sex, and politics
3)
No eating or smoking
Whether it is your car or not you avoid smoking or eating
while partaking in slugging. It is very inconsiderate to the other people in
the car. In terms of smoking others in the car may not want to arrive to work
smelling like smoke. As for eating, casual carpooling is all about getting
where your need to go simply and easily without any annoyances from others in
the vehicle.
4)
No exchanging of gifts or money.
Drivers need slugs as much as slugs need them so no money
should be exchanged. As for gifts, bringing a gift for a total stranger can be
a bit odd. This isn’t a situation in which you bring along a gift basket. That
would be weird.
5)
Be clear on destinations.
To make slugging quick and easy be crystal clear about your
destination. The last thing anyone wants is to deal with is confusion about
where you are going. It is a simple piece of information that makes the trip go
smoothly.
.
Rider etiquette
1)
Do not slam the doors.
Doing so is just rude. Go easy on the car doors. It is
important to have a little respect for the driver’s vehicle. It did get you to
work after all.
2)
The driver has control of his car.
You are there for a ride, driver controls the window, radio,
heating, and cooling. Although true if you are terribly uncomfortable because
the car is too hot or too cold of course you can ask. If the driver refuses let
it go but most are reasonable.
3)
Avoid cell phone conversations.
Having a long phone conversation while commuting can make
others feel uncomfortable. A quick phone call is fine but anything longer than
that can wait. It is not time to gossip with a friend or talk about what you
did last weekend!
4)
Never take a ride out of turn.
Lines are first come first serve. The first person in line
gets the next ride and has the first choice of seats. There is an exception if
the driver picks a particular slug. This
often occurs if the driver sees someone they know in line.
Driver etiquette
1)
Never leave a lady behind.
Take the lady as a third person or one of the men
should forfeit their position in line to allow the lady to ride. Call it chivalry
or safety.
2)
No body snatching.
Yeah it may sound like something from a great movie but in
the world of slugging body snatching is a No No. Body snatching refers to
drivers picking up slugs that are not in line. It is unfair to both the slugs
and the drivers
3)
Never stop short.
Once a destination has been agreed upon you have to take the
riders to their destinations. Even if you want to drop them off two blocks away
this is not allowed.
4)
Allow time for riders to buckle up.
Before driving away from the sluglines give the slugs time
to settle in and put on their seat belts. Safety is very important.
5)
Keep it clean.
Drivers should keep their car clean and their seats should
be free of trash and debris. No slug wants to enter a vehicle and have to
remove a fast food wrapper from the seat. In addition to that try to avoid any
strong smells such as fragrances. People can be allergic.