Carpooling Etiquette: A Guide for the Driver

Carpooling is becoming more and more popular as people see the benefits of sharing the driving and fuel expenses as well as making a conscious effort to limit car emissions by having fewer cars on the roads. But how can a driver show carpooling etiquette when they are letting others ride with them?

Drivers should first of all ensure that they are courteous to the passengers who are riding with them. It is easy for drivers to get carried away and feel that they can act however they choose because they are driving and therefore "in charge".

Drivers who agree to carpool should pick up their passengers at the agreed time and location unless something beyond their control comes up. If that happens, they should call their passengers ahead of time and let them know that they will not be able to pick them up. This will give passengers time to make alternative arrangements. It is also showing due concern and consideration for others rather than letting them stand outside waiting for a ride that will not show up.

While passengers should be careful not to eat, drink or smoke in a driver's car, drivers should likewise behave in a similar manner. Not only will such actions distract drivers from the road ahead, but it is also quite uncomfortable to ride with someone when they are smoking. Passengers do not have the luxury of telling drivers that they do not like it when others smoke around them. Carpooling should be a more relaxed and pleasant experience, but that cannot be achieved if the driver fails to take the feelings of their passengers into account.

If it is your turn to carpool, do not grumble about driving and how you wish that you did not have to drive so much. This can be avoided if you have an agreement from the outset that outlines when you will be driving. Try to keep the agreement fair so that no one person is left driving constantly while others kick back and relax as passengers most times. This will make carpooling more stressful and cause the tension to build up.