Teens Ride Smart: Tips on How to be A Good Passenger

Whether it’s your driver’s ed instructor, your very protective mother or TeensDriveSmart.com, you’re constantly getting pointers on how to be a safe driver and how to avoid distractions. But no one ever explains how we can get an A+ in “riding shotgun.” Your behavior as a passenger is just as important as the driver’s behavior behind the wheel. It’s your job to make sure the driver keeps his or her focus on the road and not on any other distractions that might come up, like a text message, phone call or an annoying song on the radio.

• Stay Out of the Way. You’ve experienced it before. You’re trying to look out of your right window for other cars, but your passenger’s head is obstructing the view. Be aware. There are so many other distractions drivers have to worry about, make sure you aren’t one of them.

• Buckle Up. Never make the driver ask you to wear your seatbelt; buckling up should be a habit, and in many states it’s “Click it or Ticket.” Don’t be the reason you’re friend gets pulled over by the police. Also if the driver isn’t wearing their seatbelt, be a dear and politely remind them “Seatbelt for safety!”

• Call Them Back. If you’re being loud and obnoxious on the phone, your driver may become heavily distracted by your phone conversation. It’s hard to tune out others because you’re both in an enclosed space. If you must take a phone call, keep your voice at a moderate tone, cut the call short and don’t discuss any juicy topics that may distract the driver.

• Designated Phone Person. The urge to multitask when driving is very strong. As a passenger combat the driver’s urge by doing whatever they need, in other words, be the DPP (Designated Phone Person). If they need a text message sent, directions from a Smartphone, a navigation system configured, a phone call answered or someone to DJ, you’re there to help. Again, it’s your job to do anything to ensure the driver’s eyes remain on the road.

• Don't Be A Drama Queen. Even the most attentive and patient drivers have had near misses on the road. When this happens, as a passenger you must remain calm and quiet. If the driver has a scare, refrain from screaming at the top of your lungs or grabbing your chest. Loud sudden noises, gasping for breath or sudden movements can scare the driver and exacerbate a close call. In addition to not screaming in response to some scary maneuvering, criticizing can be very unnerving to drivers. If you note something the driver could do to improve his or her skills, save it until you’ve reached your destination.

• My Car, My Rules. You may want to blast that new Lady Gaga single because it totally rocks, but loud music makes it difficult for a driver to be aware of the cars around him. Just because you’re goo-goo for Gaga doesn’t mean the driver is. Getting into a music selection war while on the road is never a safe or smart thing to do. What the driver wants, the driver gets.