A lot of us decide to make do without an automobile. This decision could be result of the pursuit of saving money, concern for the environment or maybe a lot of us don’t have a driving license (like me)
Living without a car means that inevitably you will be in a situation that requires you to ask for a car ride.If you live in a rural community or if your city-slicker friends like spending time in the great outdoors you may need to ask for rides often.
The following tips will help you find car rides and save money on transportation costs without coming off like a jerk:
- Always offer to pay gas money
Some drivers wont accept money, and that’s fine, but you should always offer. You don’t want to be known for not offering to pay gas money and it’s a basic politeness. The cost of insurance, repairs, and gas for a car can run into the hundreds or even thousands per month so be kind to your driver friend.
Taking a cab or busing to your destination could cost you a lot so keep that in mind when you’re dolling out your funds. The amount you save by not having a car should free up some extra cash to toss your friend $10 or $20 every once in a while. Or fill up their tank. Believe me, they will appreciate it.
- Don’t be late
This is ‘Asking for a Car Ride’ Etiquette 101. The person with the car is doing you a favor by picking you up so don’t forget it. If they’re a few minutes late, don’t worry about it. Think about how long it would have taken you to get where you were going by taking the bus or walking.
- Avoid hitchhikers that look like Rutger Hauer
It goes without saying that Safety is of prime importance. So you need to ensure that you always ensure that the person you are asking for a ride is safe to travel with or hitchhiking can turn out tragic
- Offer to walk a portion of the commute if needed
If it’s easier for the driver to drop you off on 11th Street so that he can take a left onto Main Street then you should walk the extra 10 minutes. Don’t expect your driver friend to pick you up at your door every time; sometimes they may be in a rush to get somewhere else and you’re making their life more difficult by asking them to chauffeur you straight home. If they ask you to show up early or late just do it.
This scenario isn’t always relevant but try to be as accommodating as possible in all situations.
- Get to know the driver first
The new girl in the office may live two doors down from your house but that doesn’t mean you should ambush her in the parking lot on her first day at work. Get to know this person before you start asking them for favors. Try buying them a coffee during your break or even just chat with them a few times. You don’t need to bribe them – just get to know them before you ask for that ride.
- Ensure Personal hygiene
This may seem like a joke item but its not. Some people could work on their personal hygiene. Most lady readers don’t need to worry about this one but some of the gentleman readers might. If you plan on starting a serious car pool relationship with someone then you should make sure you smell sparkling fresh when you get in that car everyday.
- Do as they do
You should also gauge the driver’s response to things like eating, smoking, and general cleanliness. If the driver doesn’t eat in his or her own car then you probably shouldn’t start eating that sloppy meatball sub in their car either.
Always ask if you can eat or smoke before you do it – even if the driver is partaking. And if the driver is a non-smoker don’t chain smoke three cigarettes before you get in the car. To a non-smoker you will smell like a blend of toilets and ashtrays.
Those are just a few ways you can make your car ride a little easier on the driver. If the driver is a close friend or family member then many of these rules may not apply but being respectful and accommodating can go along way when asking for favors.
The other option is to get back on that bus or pump up the tires on your bike and start peddling to your next destination.
This is a guest post by Ryan Marson from LifeCover Insurance
