Are you a "slug" or know someone who does?

According to Dictionary.com, slugs are any of various small, snaillike, chiefly terrestrial gastropod mollusks of the genus Limax and related genera, having a slow-moving elongated body with no shell or only a flat rudimentary shell on or under the skin. But I am not going to discuss slugs in that context.

NOT THIS SLUG

I want to discuss commuting in the Northern Virginia area in terms of slugging.

THIS IS THE SLUG

With more commuters in the area, it’s imperative to find alternate ways to get to and from work. Slugging is a term used to describe a unique form of commuting found in the Washington, DC area sometimes referred to as "Instant Carpooling" or "Casual Carpooling". It's unique because people commuting into the city stop to pickup other passengers even though they are total strangers! However, slugging is a very organized system with its own set of rules, proper etiquette, and specific pickup and drop-off locations. It has thousands of vehicles at its disposal, moves thousands of commuters daily, and the best part, it’s FREE!

OUR LOVELY TRAFFIC

How did slugging start? Slugging can trace its roots back to the Arab oil embargo of the 1970’s. During this era, gas prices soared, as it became apparent that the United States was dependent on foreign oil. In an attempt to reduce its dependence, the United States adopted a number of measures to curb gasoline consumption. Speed limits were reduced from 65+ m.p.h. to 55 m.p.h., car manufacturers were told to make cars more efficient, and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes were constructed. These lanes were for vehicles with more than three occupants. The benefit for the government was twofold: reduced gasoline consumption as well as some environmental benefits. (Ironically in the 1970s, gas prices were only $0.85 and yet today prices are hovering around $3.99 + for regular in Virginia at least) There has been an increase in the amount of people standing in the slug lines. I myself am in line too! Why not that why it’s there to jump in the car and get there now.

As budgets get tighter in more weakened economy, it is more important to find unique ways to save money and time! Slugging does both! Actually it saves three things: saves the environment from pollution and toxins with less vehicles, your money for parking, gas and wear and tear on your vehicle and you get to your destination faster than by the public transit because your slug transportation is on time. For more information about slug lines in your area for pickup and drop off locations, times and more go to http://slug-lines.com IT’S FREE! Some content from Slug-Lines.com and Dictionary.com