Everyone into the pool

Five carpool ground rules that will keep your travels smooth

As the school year approaches and parents shift into preparing for the school year, carpools rank high as a favourite convenience. They can save time and money on gas and vehicle wear and tear. They are also a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

In addition, they can be fun. “Parents should use the carpool as an opportunity to make good memories with their kids and their kids’ friends—whether it’s playing a game or singing along to their favourite tunes,” says Costco member Walid Al-Hajj, who shuttles his son and daughter around the Toronto area.

And yet, carpools can quickly go awry without a set of ground rules in place. Give the green light to these five considerations:

Agree on a schedule. Figure out what works best for most participants, whether it’s each family having a day when they’re responsible for both ways or splitting up drop-off and pickup shifts. “A shared scheduling tool like Google Calendar is a good way to organize the schedule,” suggests Costco member Allanah Hardcastle of Toronto.

Be on time. That goes for everyone—drivers and passengers. Of course, sometimes last-minute issues occur, but if you’re consistently waiting for someone, it’s OK to politely point out how their tardiness is affecting the entire carpool. After all, the point of a carpool is to eliminate transportation headaches, not create them.

Create a contact list. Make sure every parent has cellphone and email contact information for the group and indicate the best way to communicate with them. “A shared group on a universal messaging tool like WhatsApp or a Facebook chat can help everyone stay connected and up-to-date,” Hardcastle says.

Establish the carpool etiquette rules. It’s best to proactively discuss guidelines, such as what type of music is allowed and who controls it, and whether kids can eat or drink in the car.

Insist on safety. Kids must be buckled up and parents must obey all traffic safety rules—make sure this is clear.

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