Now that we are able to get back onto the road, Americans are doing so in full force. We didn’t realize how much of our freedom we missed until the pandemic of 2020 took much of it away. As we are getting our vehicles back on the road, both driving back into work and going on road trips, we must take the time to be sure our vehicles are well-serviced and that we carry the proper insurance coverage on them.
Carpooling is becoming more popular than ever, so what’s the first step? Contacting Freeway Insurance to be certain that you understand the intricacies and limits of your policy. Checking your coverage will help you move through 2021 with contentment as you will know you’re covered for any situation you encounter.
Reasons Why Carpooling is Skyrocketing
- Gas prices are consistently rising. While gas prices usually soar in the summer, this year is different than in the past for various reasons, like looser restrictions on driving in 2021 and the recent political transition. Out of pocket funds that go toward gas have increased exponentially. One way to counter these expenses is by offering to give rides to coworkers or friends who are going to the same location you are and shuttling your kid’s friends to games and events. There is a big difference between paying $3.50 per gallon and $1.75 per gallon when you’re splitting things with a friend. If a long trip is planned, sharing travel costs can lighten the burden tremendously, allowing for funds to be put toward fancy meals or more luxurious and fun excursions.
- Never before has the environment been more in the spotlight than it is now. In a strange way, the Covid-19 virus helped us all realize that there are unseen things that have more control over us than we’d like them to, and the environment is no exception. People are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint, and are more willing and desirous of being more energy conservative. Carpooling lowers greenhouse emissions due to the fewer number of vehicles on the road, which creates less smog and congestion for that same reason. This same congestion is responsible for a number of health issues, including cardiovascular obstructions, asthma, allergies, and neurological disorders. When everyone makes an effort to carpool and therefore reduce overall traffic the toxins that are normally released into the air are reduced dramatically. The benefits to the human anatomy are greatly improved and can be graphically measured.
- Driving can be stressful, especially if you’re located in a city that is often congested with traffic. The morning and evening commutes can be tiresome, anxiety-inducing, and lonely. If the weather is bad, driving alone can be extremely nerve-wracking, with little hope that the radio can act as a soothing agent. A great way to reduce stress is by sharing the driving load with someone else. This co-rider might be a friend or a coworker. Having a driving companion to talk to will help with anxiety and make the trip feel less cumbersome. You can take turns driving for stress equity and also share fuel costs. Carpooling with fellow employees can easily turn a work acquaintance into a friend. Consider taking turns not just driving but also in choosing audiobooks to listen to on the commute. Be amenable to listening to the different styles of music that each of you appreciates.
- Now that life is getting a little bit back to normal, people are going back to work and are no longer working remotely. Children are going back to school. There is less time during the day to do the things we are now used to doing. Carpooling saves time by allowing vehicles with high occupancy to drive in the HOV lane. In many cities, these lanes are reserved for vehicles that are carpooling, and they are generally less congested than other lanes on the highway. Carpooling also prolongs the life of your vehicle. You are sharing the task of driving with someone else who will use their car the next day, or the next week, to transport the group, so your vehicle can sit idly at home.
Carpooling in 2021 just makes sense. At the very least, it’s an opportunity for people to help one another. Beyond that, it is also a great way to reduce greenhouse emissions and make the atmosphere more suitable and healthier, especially for people with impaired immune systems. With less traffic on the road, there are also fewer accidents, and less need for parking spots. This translates to more tree space and less blacktop. The first step in the process is brushing up on your vehicle’s insurance coverage and making sure repairs, fluid and tire levels are all well maintained.