A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Hi,A few months ago the company I work for provided a "share drive scheme" What They do is buddy you up with another person in the workplace (they base this on who lives the closest together) and they provide you with a company car - which you take in turns (1 week each) to drive each other to work. The only thing you pay for is towards the fuel that you use when using the car for non related work driving- ie weekends.As soon as I saw this I immediately signed up. My husband has a car but I can't afford one, which means I get the bus in to work and back every day (my husband works the other side of town so can't give me a lift).They partnered me with another woman who works in a different department, she's nice enough but her driving is terrible!! The 1st week she drove she had 3 near misses- all down to her not paying attention and driving too fast. She also has the radio playing loudly and uses her phone. Not only that but she made us both late as she got up late! She also boasted that several years ago she wrote off 2 cars as she wasn't paying attention!!!!I told her that her driving made me uncomfortable but she just brushed it off saying we'd be fine!The other day after another potentially dangerous drive to work my manager saw that I seemed a bit down so I told her everything.She took me to see HR who I had to write a statement of events for and they said that unless my colleague actually causes an accident or does any damage to the car, my statement isn't valid. They also said they need to see proof of her using her phone whilst driving... What am I supposed to do- take a picture of her doing it?? They said that they would have a word with her about her driving. This however has made no difference as she still continues to drive badly.They obviously checked everyone's licence before we were allowed a car and she checked out fine- no points or bans etc.....I asked if I could be partnered with someone else but there's nobody available - I was told it could be another 4-6 months before they roll the scheme out again and I could get another driving partner.I've been in the scheme for 2 months and dread the thought of getting in the car with her. But my only other option is getting 2 buses to work and back again and it's usually a 45 -60 minute trip, both ways. In the mornings I leave home at 7am every day and don't get back home until 6.45pm. With the car I leave home at 8.15 and get home at 5.30. So it cuts down on my travel time hugely and gives me more time to sort the house out and rest!What's the best thing to do? Is HR correct with what they have said?
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (29 November 2015): I understand your extra free time is important but if you are in a bad accident and end up in hospital or unable to work then how are you free then? On that note do you know how you are insured (healthcare, income protection) under this scheme...check the insurance policy. I would never get into a car with a dangerous driver. If you continue to, you are saying her actions can't be that bad. If this woman has written off two cars I am amazed any insurance company will insure her. Has she been convicted of dangerous driving ever? Or temporarily banned? Or fined? Would you want your own child getting in that car? If not then why would you.
A
male
reader, Been there Now over it  +, writes (29 November 2015):
If you made a statement to HR and your company says it isn't valid until an accident happens, they would be liable in case of an accident. That just makes no sense at all...just a horrible HR blunder...but that doesn't help keep you alive in the meantime.
Talk with your company's legal department, re-visit your HR or talk with higher management or the person in charge of the ride program. They should understand the risk the company has assumed now that you've made your statement to HR and effectively made the your situation known to them. Also, document everything. I hope you have a copy of your statement to HR...that evidence could conveniently go missing if something happens.
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A
female
reader, Ciar  +, writes (28 November 2015):
 I have to agree that safety comes first.
What about taking the bus to work the week she has the car and using the car on your week? You don't have to withdraw from the program entirely.
And certainly put your name in for the next roll out.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (28 November 2015):
 I agree with Denizen, I'd take the bus from now on. I would not risk my life for a shorter ride with someone you feel is an unsafe driver (driving like a lunatic).
IT IS NOT your job to provide proof that she is unsafe. I think the fact that you stop driving with her says a lot. Now they can "pair" her up with someone else, they may or may not cooperate your experience with her.
And let them know when there is another open spot you would like to be in the program again (with another driver). Or like Denizen suggested, if there is another "pair" driving hear your house if you can pile in with them. 2 or 3 people shouldn't make a difference.
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A
male
reader, Denizen +, writes (28 November 2015):
 If you you think your safety is at risk I would take the bus. I would also explain to HR who are trying to be over diplomatic that you are not in the habit of telling lies. There are many bad drivers who go forever without having a crash. That doesn't mean you have to endure their driving. Make it clear to your employers that you are not riding with this woman and you want a different option as soon as one comes available.
Six months isn't too much to endure before they do another roll-out. However it is worth reminding HR that most cars have more than two seats so why don't they try a bit harder to put you in with the next nearest buddy. Remember you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
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