There are times when you carpool on a matching site like RideshareOptimizer.com. In such cases, the people you wish to carpool with almost certainly do not know each other. With the rising price of fuel, interest in carpooling is on the rise. There are two main types of carpooling: the familiar fixed carpooling, where the same people ride together to work, and casual carpooling, where people form informal carpools on an ad hoc basis at park-and-ride lots.

If you work in the same place or live in a small town, there's a good chance that you know someone in common and can vouch for your respective personalities to the other person. Also, if the other person asks for your proof of insurance, you should not hesitate to say so. Depending on your commuting distance, you will be spending two hours of your day with your partner, so it is important that you are compatible.

Sometimes, especially in the beginning, you may want to pick up outside of your home for safety reasons. Someone with bad intentions who learns about your home location, the fact that you live alone, and your work schedule may burglarize or otherwise misuse your home. While it is unlikely that your personal information will be used by other carpoolers for such purposes, you do not want to take that chance. For this reason, carpool sites such as RideshareOptimizer.com say that you should pick up your car at a public place near your home, such as a school or a store.

Your mother has probably taught you the golden rule.

But just in case, here are some basic guidelines for carpooling.

1. Decide where and when you will meet, and where you will drop off. This is because nothing will end a carpool faster than a habitual late comer or driver. Set a waiting time, after which the rider will be left behind.

2. If more than one person will be driving, create a schedule. If some of your carpoolers do not drive or drive less, you will need to agree with the other carpoolers about covering the expenses of those who do drive. Local laws and insurance rules usually do not allow the driver to actually charge the passenger, but donations are always welcome, but freewheeling people are rarely welcome.

3. Exchanging contact information with other carpoolers and notifying the driver when you are not getting a ride means that the driver will not be waiting for you in front of your house or in the parking lot at work. It is a good idea for drivers to contact passengers when they are approaching a pickup point so that passengers do not have to wait outside longer than necessary.

4. All carpoolers should agree on smoking, music and other entertainment, and whether or not food and drink are allowed in the car. Fortunately, passengers have many options for listening to their own music or talk radio privately. Some may also prefer a quiet place to read or sleep.

5. Drivers have to keep the interior of their cars clean. No one wants to ride in a dirty car, and no one wants to share their feet with things left in the car unnecessarily.

6. Drive carefully. Aggressive driving or driving over the speed limit can make your passengers uncomfortable.

7. Don't run errands on the way. Run errands only after all passengers have been dropped off.

8. Do not use cologne or perfume. Some people are allergic or do not like scents.

9. Make sure you are presentable before your car arrives.

By following the above guidelines, you will greatly increase your chances of having a successful carpool.
Disclaimer: Information on this site is in no way meant to replace the advice of a professional. Please ensure to fact check and acquire professional help regarding all information on this website.