High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes or carpool lanes are specialized lanes set aside in multiple lane freeways for the use of buses, vans, and car pooling. They are common in many areas with congested freeways and increase transit efficiency and to reward people who use car pooling or use public transportation. Some critics believe that HOV lanes contribute to traffic congestion, but studies suggest that opening HOV lanes to general use would actually decrease congestion.They may help encourage commuting or sharing cars, and they can improve the speed at which people get to destinations, especially during rush hour or high traffic hours. HOV lanes are generally viewed as an excellent idea.

HOV lanes are known as many names depending on the different location. Many states designate it as a "carpool lane," or even more commonly as a "diamond lane," in reference to the white diamonds used to mark HOV lanes in many areas. In all cases, the lane is clearly separated from traffic, typically with the use of a solid white line, and sometimes with a divider as well. In some regions, HOV lanes are even elevated above the regular traffic, or routed around areas of particularly infamous congestion.

California had some lanes dedicated to this purpose by the 1970s. They were only opened for carpool services during rush hour or peak traffic times while during other times, the lanes were open to anyone who wished to drive in them, no matter whether they had passengers or did not. In addition to allowing carpoolers to use the lanes, they were a frequent choice of buses too, and could quickly speed up trips via bus to various locations.

Many people who are allowed to use a carpool lane may have another advantage when they cross bridges or toll roads during rush hour traffic. These can reduce or eliminate charges if the car has three or more passengers. This may be yet another reason to commute. It means people don't have to stop to pay the toll, and they save money and time in the process.

The laws about who may drive in a HOV lane vary. Typically, a carpool must have two or more people. Buses are always permitted, along with carpool vans. In some areas, people driving hybrid cars or cars using alternative fuels are also allowed to use the HOV lanes, as long as they attach special stickers to their cars.

Generally, HOV lanes are only designated during set hours. Outside these peak commute times, anyone may use the HOV lane. By restricting traffic during peak commute, traffic engineers can ensure that buses will remain on schedule, even when they have to deal with congested freeways. Traffic engineers also believe that HOV lanes are a model of efficiency, as they carry more people per vehicle than other lanes. Thus, even though a HOV lane may look spread out, more people are actually traveling on it per mile than in other lanes. In addition, a HOV lane is substantially safer to drive in, as a larger following distance is usually left between vehicles. In cities with serious traffic problems, citizens are encouraged to carpool and use public transit. Some enterprising areas have even launched ad campaigns which reference the ability to drive in the HOV lane for carpoolers and buses. Oftenly there are many carpooling websites such as www.carpoolassist.com which includes information about local carpools, as well as provide a platform to find a suitable carpool so that commuters can hook up with rides around the region.

The rules and regulations for use of carpool lanes or HOV lanes vary significantly according to states so alwyas keep your self update about HOV lanes laws in the state you are driving. Usually penalties for violating the laws of HOV lanes vary between $300 to $400. On the counter side, US Government is offering lots of benifits for car poolers such as tax benifits, seperate driving lane, tol discounts and other incentive benifits, So better use it and save environments as well as your time with money.

Visit www.carpoolassist.com for assistance and information about car pooling in USA, . Here you will find suitable carpool partner for your work, institute or any kind of events as well as other kind of assistance related with carpool laws updates.