Your kids have a busy schedule, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. A carpool can be a lifesaver for you and other parents to take turns hauling the kids to their sports practices and other recreational activities. A successful carpool arrangement requires efficient organization, communication, safety standards, and car preservation practices. Here are some tips on how you can create an effective carpool system:
Organization
Communication
Safety
Make sure your car is well equipped for safe driving. Have regular oil changes and mechanical check-ups, so you aren’t caught off guard by any surprises. Tires are another important car feature that requires maintenance. Regularly check the pressure of your tires and make sure the tread isn’t too worn down. Don’t shy away from tire replacement — quality tires will greatly enhance the safety of your car and of your passengers. In addition to car safety, make sure you are conscientious of the safety of your driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes in car collisions. Make sure the kids know that they must use inside voices and aren’t allowed to throw anything around in the car. If you have behavioral problems with the children, which contribute toward an unsafe car environment, communicate this with the parents.
Car Preservation
A regular carpool will put some wear and tear on your vehicle. Create practices that will help preserve the quality of your car. Make sure cleats are removed before the kids enter the vehicle — encourage parents to pack slip-on sandals as post-practice shoes. You should also restrict the consumption of food to reduce the risk of fabric stains. If the kids need a snack before or after practice, allot extra time where they can eat outside of the car. Make sure you regularly vacuum your car, so dirt and other elements brought in by the kids don’t stick to the carpet or seats. For extra protection, look into purchasing seat covers, which will keep the original fabrics of your car in good shape.
Do you take advantage of carpools?
Carpooling is a way of life in California, but here its a foreign language in the south!
These are some great tips for carpooling. I’ve never had to do it regularly but I know it saves drivers money on tolls and gasoline.
These are awesome tips. I never joined a carpool but I can see how anyone that does would definitely have to stay organized.
Great tips! It is so important to carpool effectively, for the better of the environment and ourselves.
Thank you for the tips and pointers on effectively car-pooling. This will really help me out in getting mine together.
This is a great post. Especially moms with younger children. My son always helps us find our way. Once we got lost, and he was about six years old, and he’s the one that remembered the exit name. We paid him $5 bucks lol. Thanks for sharing.
Haha. I am one for getting lost too. Luckily, my GPS helps me out with that. Smart kid you have there! I doubt my son could guide me anywhere LOL.
This is so perfect to share with fellow school and sport moms! We are always carpooling, but it can get stressful at times! Thanks!
I’ve never carpooled before. We are planning a road trip though and these will come in very handy then.