Carpooling: Know Your Driver

Carpooling is great! Nobody can argue that it saves some green (gas money and the environment!) but is it always the best choice? If you know your driver’s history and are personally acquainted with them by all means drive each other to work, on errands, etc. If you’ve acquired this possible carpooler through other means then think twice before getting in a vehicle with them.

First, in a non-offensive manner try to find out about the potential driver’s record. Have they ever been at fault in a car accident? Did they receive a speeding ticket recently? If you found this person through a friend ask if the driver has any bad habits that they know of.

Second, once you have decided to ride together make sure this person is focused. Texting is the most common driving distraction but some people also eat difficult foods and apply make-up or shave. If you notice your driver is doing anything you do not feel comfortable with, speak up. I know it’s embarrassing but if you think about it just because they are willing to risk their life to do some task does not mean you are willing to risk yours.

Here are some suggestions to approaching these touchy subjects:

    ·     Offer to read their texts to them if they are that
   important.

    ·     Recommend they do their make-up at home, if they
   don’t want to you can offer to be picked up earlier so
   they can apply it in the parking lot at your destination.

    ·     You decide to drive! Instead of switching off you can
   have them pay you gas money instead. Yes, it’s more
   miles on your vehicle but it may lead to more miles on
   your life.

    ·     Be truthful, “I’m sorry, I’m not comfortable when you…”
   is a good way to start. Most people will respect that you
   addressed the situation instead of making excuses.

Even if you are close with the person you are considering carpooling with, that’s not always a good reason to get in the car with them behind the wheel. For example, this past school year my roommate went from having a clean driving record to totaling two different vehicles in three separate accidents. While she was not at fault in any of the scenarios I still don’t ask her for a ride because she seems to be an accident magnet.

If you realize after the fact that you may not be carpooling with the best driver don’t worry, it’s never too late to change your mind and get out of a bad situation. There are alternative ways of finding a ride including programs similar to Zimride, something the university I attend has implemented.

Hope this article helped you make a decision! If you do choose to carpool check out these Ten Commandments to being a great carpool buddy. 

Have you had an excellent/terrible carpool experience? Share your stories below!