How to Have Good Carpool Etiquette

These days, there are more advantages to carpooling than ever before. You have the opportunity to save money on gas, help the environment and enjoy the company of others at the same time. Like any group effort, a carpool requires courtesy and cooperation to keep things running smoothly. A little effort can help you maintain good carpool etiquette, whether you're behind the wheel or just along for the ride.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be on time. When one person in a carpool is late, this sets off an annoying chain reaction for everyone, whereby the driver is then late to pick up the person after you and you're all late for work.

2. Respect the driver's decisions. When you're in the passenger seat, respect the driver's decisions, whether it comes to the radio station or the car temperature. It's OK to compromise every so often, but being a car control freak is just bad etiquette.

3. Avoid wearing products with strong scents. In the cramped quarters of a car, strong perfumes, hair products or deodorants can be especially irritating to others.

4. Carry through with your commitments. Whether you've committed to doing your share of the driving on certain days or to pay your driver on a designated date, make sure you carry through with your carpool commitments. This bit of etiquette will foster feelings of trust and respect within your carpool.

5. Request changes to the schedule sparingly. Your fellow carpoolers will understand if you need to occasionally veer from the schedule or route to take care of an important errand. However, if you constantly make others accommodate you, it's likely to breed resentment within your carpool.

6. Notify others of any carpool schedule changes well in advance. Whether you've taken some vacation days or your car will be out of commission, give your fellow carpoolers as much notice as possible.