Carpooling – Life in the Fast Lane  by Ofelia Sivyer

Carpooling, also known as ridesharing, is a trend that sprang up in America during World War II, and became more popular during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Today, the trend is down, with only about 10% of drivers taking advantage of the carpool according to Statistic Brain.

Did you know 77% of the US driving public makes the trek to work alone? Many drivers put more time into their commute than they get back in their annual two-week vacation. And that doesn’t include the many hours spent transporting the family to various activities.

What is the effect of so much time spent behind the wheel alone? Adverse impacts include higher costs, more congested roads, greater fuel emissions, increased wear and tear on vehicles, and increased isolation of drivers.

To encourage carpooling, many communities offer High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes for vehicles with two or more occupants. These HOV lanes typically flow traffic toward a city during the morning rush, and away from the city in the afternoon.

What are some advantages of carpooling?

• Reduces expenses for gas and vehicle maintenance
• Helps alleviate road congestion
• Lowers emissions of CO2
• Offers opportunity to have interaction with others

So, be cool – carpool!

For guidelines on carpool etiquette, check out these tips from Travel Smart. And be sure to read Ma Xiaoning’s perspective on the culture of carpooling.