Car pooling is one of those things that many people think has gone out of fashion. While it’s not as prevalent as it was, some people elect for the car pool lane. Naturally, this method of shared travel saves quite a bit at the pump, but it also means that drivers can spend less in other ways associated with vehicle ownership. This is one of the best ways to offset the changing price of gas today.
What is car pooling and can anyone use the car pool lane?
Car pooling is one of those things many people, depending on location, may not often hear about. This is despite perhaps seeing the car pool lane while driving. In a nutshell, this is the act of a group of car owners coming together and figuring out a driving schedule.
For example, there may be five people in a car pooling group, and each person may agree to drive everyone else, or their kids, to whatever specified location Monday through Friday. Naturally, this means that the person driving for the day is responsible for staying organized and adhering to schedules. By some estimates, it was the most popular in the early 1970’s as the price of gas was on the rise then.
Regarding the car pool lane, sometimes called a HOV lane, drivers with the specified amount of people in the vehicle are allowed to use them. There are often certain hours of the day devoted to car pooling traffic.
This method of driving saves money
Car pooling became popular because it saves drivers money, as commuting on your own is expensive. According to Bankrate, the average driver spends about $8,466 each year commuting to work. This can make up about 19% of a person’s income. Naturally, the specifics of each person’s income and budget will differ, but this is still significant.
However, car pooling cuts down on this as it can severely help offset the changing price of gas today. On average, it saves drivers about $450 on gas each year. This method of shared driving also helps cut down on vehicle maintenance costs. In fact, it’s not uncommon for there to be an agreement for group members to chip in when it’s time for someone else to get things like oil changes.
Additionally, car pooling can come in handy for toll booths and parking as it’s not only one person paying for it. Naturally, this also cuts down on wear and tear for vehicles as each car is being used less due to the rotation schedule. This is also great for the environment as it cuts down on the amount of carbon emissions.
Car pooling can be a great option for people looking to save on commuting costs. However, it has its downsides. In particular, you should only car pool with people you know and trust, as it can be dangerous. As of 2021, about 7.5% of people car pooled to work.
