Things to Consider Before Carpooling

ST. LOUIS, Missouri. Popular car service companies like Uber and Lyft have released new features on their applications that allow riders to carpool and potentially save money. According to New York Magazine, riders using these popular applications can reduce their fares by carpooling. Not only do shared rides save riders money, but they can save the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road. Yet, you don’t have to be an Uber or Lyft user to enjoy the benefits of carpooling. More Americans are choosing to carpool to school or work.

Yet, before you band together with your neighbors, co-workers, and your local parent-teacher association, it is important to consider your safety and the safety of your loved ones. According to beagreencommuter.com, you’ll need to carefully consider who will be doing the driving. Will just one person is doing the driving or will driving responsibilities be rotated? It might be a good idea to ask about each person’s driving record. Does anyone have past DUIs? Have any of the drivers been in a car accident? What were the circumstances of the crash, if one of the drivers in the carpool has been in an accident?

You’ll also want to ask about insurance policies. Is the car being used fully covered and are passengers fully covered for injuries? It may be cheaper to elect the best driver and then cover that driver’s car comprehensively, rather than rotate cars and drivers, each of which might have different records and different levels of insurance.

Once the driver has been selected, you and your carpool community might want to carefully consider your route. Do some research. As information about car accidents has become more readily available, you can learn about intersections, bridges, and roads that are more dangerous. Plan your route accordingly and avoid hazardous areas.

Once the safety practicalities have been considered, you’ll also want to have a chat about timing and lateness. Lateness for one worker or child might not be a big deal, while for others it could put a person’s job in jeopardy. How will lateness or illnesses be managed? For example, it might be sensible to set up an emergency fund for Uber Pool or another service in the event of an emergency.

Finally, you’ll need to discuss the financials. How will you pay for gas and wear and tear on the driver’s car? Remember that there are other fees associated with driving. Consider tolls and insurance costs as well.

Carpooling is a great way to get to work and school, but before you take the plunge, it is important to ask key questions. Know what the plan will be in the event of a car crash. You and your carpool community may want to select a lawyer ahead of time, one that you can call if an accident takes place. Protecting your driver and passengers should be paramount. Call Kruse Law today in St. Louis, Missouri, a car accident lawyer who works with a range of clients facing a variety of legal concerns. Our firm can review your safety and financial plan and we can be the number you call should anything go wrong. Visit us at https://www.stlouisattorney.com/ to learn more.