Staying Safe While Using Car Sharing Services Or Public Transportation From Infections And Personal Physical Safety.

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Being able to hunker down and work from home for long periods of time is not a privilege everyone in the Indianapolis area gets to enjoy. For many, the only option for getting to work or finding employment means leaving their residence. This may require the use of ridesharing or public transportation.

Although the thought of sharing a vehicle with a stranger might seem disturbing at times, there are several precautions riders can take to keep themselves safe when getting around Bloomington. A handful of safeguards go a long way in protecting yourself from injury or infection when needing to hitch a ride.

Social Distancing Still Reigns Supreme

Experts continue to recommend social distancing as the best way to avoid contracting an airborne illness. Therefore, increase the distance between yourself and others as much as possible. This is obviously a challenge when in a vehicle, but you can still work to avoid infection even in tight spaces.

If sharing a ride to your Bloomington office or home, make sure to choose an option that does not allow multiple riders at the same time. Carpooling options have become popular as a less expensive mode of transportation, but the savings are not worth the cost to your health. If using public transportation and seats are not already blocked off, choose a row that provides you the greatest distance from other passengers and don’t be afraid to ask someone for space or move yourself to another seat as others get on.

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Masks Make the Ride Safer

The Center for Disease Control strongly recommends wearing a face covering. The face covering, or mask, can be either cloth or procedural. The type of material is not significant, rather, it is simply important to have both your nose and mouth covered at all times when around others, especially in smaller spaces.

There is research that points to ventilation being a factor in the ability to avoid contracting a virus when in a vehicle as well. If possible, lower windows to allow at least a three inch gap. Don’t be shy about asking the driver to open as many windows as possible. The incoming air can move the aerosol particles away from your face and out of the vehicle as you cruise around Bloomington.

Take A Travel Kit of Supplies with You

To even further reduce the risk of infection when using public transportation, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your bag or briefcase. Take a few seconds to wipe down seats, rails, and other surfaces that are touched most often.

Another tip is to switch up your commute times. This may not be an option for those with a less flexible schedule, but it could be worth a conversation with your supervisor to ask for permission to come in at a less traditional time. Morning and evening rush hour may be less congested in Bloomington and Indianapolis, but those times still remain the busiest for commuters.

These new precautions are in addition to all the classic ways of keeping yourself safe when using public transportation. These measures include staying alert, using well-it bus stops, taking note of emergency exits, and keeping valuables out of sight. Riders should also let friends or family know the time and route of their commutes. Using apps like Find My Friends is helpful in allowing loved ones to keep up with you and to know you are safely where you are supposed to be at the proper times.

When public transportation and ride sharing no longer cut it and you need a ride of your own, check out an experienced dealership like the Community Auto Group. Our friendly staff will point you to the perfect vehicle to meet your current needs and keep you safe while doing so! Check out all that the Community Auto Group has to offer on our website where you can chat or text for more info about your next dream car!