Carpooling helps to protect the environment, saves money, and gives parents a few extra minutes in their day. However, working with other drivers can be difficult. Here are some tips for a safe and successful carpool.
1. All drivers agree to not drive distracted. That means everyone agrees to not text or talk on their mobile phone when carting kids from place to place. Matter of fact, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 80 % vehicle crashes involve some type if distraction.
2. Insist that every passenger buckles-up. One mother from my community was killed when she was just driving around the corner to drop her child off at school. The tragedy could have been prevented if she had been wearing her seatbelt.
3. Check tires to make sure they are inflated. This prevents a blowout.
4. Make sure that children are properly seated in the vehicle.
a. All children under the age of 12 should ride in the backseat.
b. Children under 8 or 4’9″ should be in the appropriate car seat.
c. Every driver should be aware of how-to properly install a car seat.
5. Prepare a schedule.
6. Have a contact sheet at home and in the glove box of the car so that you can easily notify parents in the case of emergency.
7. All carpoolers should come to a consensus about food, drinks, music, and other entertainment that is appropriate during drive time.
9. Don’t stop for errands along the way.
Carpooling a great way to develop community especially when it can be done safely and positively.
Happy Carpooling!!
