WASHINGTON, March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For many families, the school year is a very busy time. Between making lunches and taking the children to and from school, it may feel like you’re always in a hurry.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155566LOGO

But weekdays can be more manageable if you share the school driving responsibilities with other families, otherwise known as “carpooling.”

What is carpooling?

Carpooling is a type of ride-sharing that allows busy people to take turns with other neighborhood parents. Carpooling helps you:

• Save time and money.
• Minimize the wear and tear on your car.
• Reduce traffic during peak hours.
• Get to know other parents and community members.

Choosing carpool drivers

• Share the idea of carpooling with responsible parents also interested in participating.
• Try to make sure that participating drivers have cars that are in good condition and all valid documents (registration, insurance, etc.).
• Figure out how many children can safely ride in the car, depending on its capacity.
• Keep the phone number and address of each parent in case of emergencies.

Recommendations for drivers

• Leave your house early, with enough time to pick up all the children on time.
• Have children under age 13 sit in the back seat, and make sure they wear their seatbelts. Children younger than 8 years old must ride in a booster or car safety seat.
• Before driving to school, make sure that all the car doors are closed properly and use the child safety locks if your car has them.
• Never leave children alone in the car, not even for a minute.

Advice for driving in school zones

• Drive slowly when you’re in a school zone and always obey the speed limit.
• When driving behind a school bus, make sure to stop when the red lights flash. Never try to pass a bus.
• Try not to block or park in front of the school entrance or exit.
• Drop off the children in specified loading/unloading zones. Wait until you see them go into school before leaving. Notify the teacher who will be picking up the children after school each day.

To learn more about transportation issues, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).