With gas prices continually rising, even your most basic transportation needs can take a toll on your wallet. One way to help ease the financial burden of driving is to carpool; get creative with your destinations and you could end up saving a lot! Carpooling is a great way to split the cost of daily travel to and from work or school. You could also connect with carpooling groups for shopping trips, medical appointments, special events, club meetings or even cross-country traveling. Several online websites have been designed to aid the process of social ridesharing. Resources like www.CarpoolConnect.com, www.Zimride.com and www.eRideShare.com all help match commuters together based on location, duration of visit and scheduling. Social ridesharing is an innovative way to save time, money and the environment. See the tips below to help you rideshare like a pro!

Equal Trade

Establish reasonable trade between you and the other commuters. This may mean distributing equal driving responsibilities or reimbursing the driver(s) for a fair portion of their traveling expenses.

Tick Tock

Planning your time is critical when others are depending on you. Determine your schedule beforehand and be punctual. As both a driver and passenger, give plenty of notice if you need to cancel or rearrange pick up times and try to be understanding of others’ unavoidable conflicts.

Can You Turn That Down?

It is always important to establish good communication with your fellow commuters. Smoking, loud music, excessive cell phone use and eating in the car are all issues which may cause lots of irritation. Be courteous and respectful of the others in the vehicle. It may be a good idea to discuss your expectations before you enter into a rideshare relationship, especially on long trips!

Slow Down!

If you are the one who is doing the driving, respect the passengers who are traveling with you. Excessive speeding, road rage and reckless maneuvers may make your passengers feel very unsafe and uncomfortable.

What is that Smell?

It is always gracious to maintain a comfortable environment for those around you. As the driver, try to sustain a relatively clean and healthy environment. As a passenger, be sure to pick up all of your trash and belongings before you leave the car.

Safety First

Remember that above all, your safety is most important. It is always best to carpool with others you know and trust. Have your friends refer their friends for good carpool buddies. If you don’t feel comfortable with someone, cancel right away, find a new ride and never feel bad!

Now you are ready to try carpooling out for yourself.

Good luck saving money, making friends and bettering the environment!