4 Ways to Be a Better Passenger
Being a passenger in a car is certainly not as stressful as being the driver, but you still have some important responsibilities, whether you’re sitting in the front or back of the car. Although you’re basically just along for the ride, your behavior as a passenger can greatly affect the driver, so it’s important to do what you can to help them steer you all to safety. Here are a few ways to be a better passenger.
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Fasten your seatbelt
By now, fastening your seatbelt should be automatic. If it’s not, make sure you do it every time you get in the car so the driver doesn’t have to remind you.
Hands off the controls
Unless you discuss it beforehand, typically the driver is in control of the music and the temperature. If you can’t stand their choice of music, playlist, or talk radio or you are freezing or sweating, remember to ask nicely for a change first before you take matters into your own hands.
“Never turn off the driver’s choice of music, no matter how much you dislike it. But if you find the volume too loud — or too low — it is acceptable to politely ask the driver if you can turn it down (or up), to avoid having them take their eyes off the road,” advises GEICO.com.
Don’t be a distraction
Your view as a passenger is probably more exciting than the driver’s as you can focus on the world and the weirdness that’s passing you by. And, although sharing is caring, you might want to refrain from encouraging the driver to take their eyes off the road to look at something you see on the sidelines, according to Aceable.com writer Krista Doyle.
Stay alert
Driving can be lonely even with a full cabin of passengers. As the passenger, you can help make the task less daunting by staying awake, alert, and ready to assist with directions.
“Your job is to keep the driver company and offer assistance when necessary. And if you’re on the road late at night, it’s even more important to stay awake and talk to the driver and keep an eye out for rest stops when needed — neither you should be the least bit drowsy,” advises GEICO.com.
These tips will help you be an asset to the driver and help everyone enjoy a safe ride home.
DeAnn Owens is a Dayton transplant by way of the Windy City, yet considers herself to be a California girl at heart even though she’s only visited there once. To get through the dreaded allergy season unique to the Miami Valley, she reads, writes, complains about the weather, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their newest addition, a Boston terrier puppy that is now in charge of all their lives. In the future, she hopes to write a novel and travel through time. See more articles by DeAnn.