Car Sharing During the Coronavirus: Advantages, Government Recommendations and Safety Instructions

The Coronavirus lockdown is being eased across most parts of the UK & life is slowly getting back to some level of normality. We are seeing the number of people commuting to work increasing, daily although public transport continues to operate on a reduced service. To help people travel  to work safely we have put together this guide.

Prior to the pandemic, green travel options such as walking and cycling were always good options. Now, with social distancing guidelines still in place and government guidelines recommending avoiding public transport, walking and cycling are, more than ever, at the forefront of UK Government commuting advice. As well as being ‘good for the environment’, good for people’s wellbeing & cost efficient, you are far less likely to be spreading or catching the virus by travelling this way.

For many, however, walking and cycling are simply not practicable. Asking all these people to drive to work alone is similarly not practical. This portion of a workforce who commute too far to walk or cycle and who don’t have the use of their own vehicle need to be safely transported.  For employers and employees alike, it makes sense and increases safety of both individuals and the whole staff to have employees traveling together in known, tested contact groups rather than unknown, untested bus or train crowds.

Advantages of car sharing during the Covid-19 outbreak

Reducing the number of daily contacts

Public transport, even when strict measures are in place, implies getting in close proximity with a number of different people. Since social distancing is key to fighting the pandemic, avoiding public transport is crucial for staying safe. Car sharing is a good alternative as you choose who you travel with.

Travelling with people you work with

Governments around the world are recommending reducing social contacts, which makes ridesharing in closed communities much safer than public transport. You’ll be travelling with people who you already share a workplace with.

Controlling your travel environment

Sanitisation is another key factor in protecting yourself against the pandemic. As a driver, you control how clean your car is. You can cooperate with your passengers to follow government instructions. As a team, you can decide to measure your temperature before heading off, wear face masks, gloves, etc.

Recommended guidelines for car sharing during the coronavirus pandemic

The UK government issued a set of guidelines you should follow to stay safe while car sharing: 

1. Share your journey with the same people each time
2. Keep to small groups of people at any one time
3. Open windows for ventilation
4. Face away from each other
5. Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
6. Clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch

For the full list of guidelines on how to travel safely during the Covid-19 outbreak, please refer to Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers

Stay safe!