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Cut journey times by car sharing

Wed, 08 Mar 2006

Ten million people drive to work alone each day but by giving someone a lift you could cut congestion and do your bit for the environment.

The Halifax Empty Seats poll found that only one in five drivers share their car in their daily commute to work.

However, two thirds think that car sharing, or car-pooling as it is known in the US, is a good idea.

As well as cutting congestion and pollution sharing your car can also save you money.

The survey found that the average annual cost of driving to work is £1017, but by sharing a ride it could be possible to halve this amount.

Mike Pickard of Halifax said: "Passengers in the car not only improve your environmental credentials, they can also act as an extra pair of eyes for you, especially in the morning rush hour when traffic is at its heaviest.

"Insurance-wise, you can carry passengers in return for a mileage payment as long as there is no element of profit."

Research by a leading insurer has also found that motorists carrying passengers are half as likely to be involved in an accident than those driving solo.

It was found that one in ten drivers say they have been involved in an accident when driving alone, compared to just one in twenty who were driving with a passenger.

Driving alone can also lead to a greater chance of losing concentration.

It seems sharing a car can save money on fuel and insurance, as the reduced risk of an accident means it won't be necessary to claim on your car insurance policy.

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