05/ 23/ 2006
by Misti Wolanski
Why should anyone carpool? Any one of several reasons might convince you to share your ride and encourage others to do the same.
1. Carpooling increases productivity.
Employees who carpool find their stress levels lowered by the increase in camaraderie that comes from riding together. Lowered stress means better health, and better health means fewer health problems, illnesses and doctors’ visits, a combination that benefits employees and their pocketbooks. Absenteeism also decreases with carpooling, and employee performance at work increases. Multiple people in a car can also decrease travel time, since carpooling allows the use of HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes in cities where they exist. Overall, employees who carpool will accomplish more work than those who do not.
2. Carpooling decreases the number of drivers on the road.
With fewer drivers needed, more employees can be without their cars. This widens the possibilities for whom you might employ, and it eases matters for employees who encounter a car crisis. Some insurance companies also offer rate cuts for such situations, lowering insurance costs. A greater proportion of those driving will likely be superior drivers. The higher proportion of better drivers decreases the probability of car accidents. Who wouldn't want to lower his or her likelihood of needing therapy from a thrown back?
3. Carpooling decreases the amount of gas consumed.
With gas prices riding a friendly rocket through the roof, carpoolers can combat this problem by splitting gasoline costs and the amount of gas used. Depending on the number of people in the carpool group, this could cut costs by half or more. In an ideal world, pollution from gas usage would decrease, and the gas reserves would last that much longer. Less exhaust output also lowers the risk of people developing asthma. More gas-efficient cars are also more apt to be used, producing a better pocketbook and environment.
4. Carpooling decreases car usage.
Less car usage means less maintenance, a longer car life and fewer repairs. Rotating drivers every month or so will enable every carpooler to benefit from this usage decrease. If the carpooling lasts long-term with a select few driving, the cost of regular maintenance like oil changes might be added into the split fee. This factor also lowers the probability of car accidents.
5. Carpooling decreases the amount of parking needed.
If you have to pay for parking or if you have limited parking spaces available around your small business, carpooling can decrease paid parking costs and increase the number of spaces available for customers. Less competition for parking will ensue, further lowering stress. Since carpoolers will have to leave work together, they will have groups to travel with at night.
