Co-Piloting For Dummies: 10 Things You Should Never Do As A Passenger & 10 You Should
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Riding shotgun isn't just about sitting pretty and enjoying the view. You can either set the mood or be a total nightmare, depending on what you do (or don't do). If you'd like to get invited the next time, no matter where the road leads, you need to know some passenger rules. Let's start by looking at the ten things that will have others think twice before driving with you again.
1. Touching Things Without Asking
Messing with buttons, opening compartments, or adjusting mirrors without permission can be distracting for the driver. Everything serves a purpose, and uninvited tinkering just causes unnecessary disturbance. If you’re curious about something, ask first.
2. Critique Every Driving Move
No one likes a rolling performance review. When there's not an actual safety concern, control your feelings and skip the expert suggestions. Trust goes both ways, and nitpicking the driver's choices only fuels frustration.
3. Distracting The Driver
Funny memes and chaotic group chats can wait, right? So, try to understand that. Waving a screen in the driver's face or demanding they "watch this" in the middle of the highway isn't helping. If you're going to co-pilot, be practical and safe.
4. Leaving Trash Behind
Who do you expect to pick up your empty cups, snack wrappers, and receipts? A passenger who leaves behind a mess is almost guaranteed to not be invited back again. To keep the car clean, put the trash in a bag and dispose of it in a bin or take it with you when you leave.
5. Slam The Invisible Brake
Your foot on the imaginary brake pedal isn't doing anything except stressing out the driver. If you trust them enough to get in the car, trust them enough to stop when necessary. Flinching and gasping? That's not helping either.
6. Take Over The Sound System
Blasting your playlist without asking? That's a rookie move. Music sets the mood, but the driver gets the final say. When you're riding along, it's not good to just hijack the aux or fiddle with the volume like you own the place. Just request, but don't assume.
7. Zone Out On Long Trips
Long drives aren't just about sitting there like a human paperweight and taking a nap. A good passenger helps keep the driver alert. In case you're dozing off, at least have the courtesy to explain or offer to change places with a backseat passenger.
8. Eat Messy Food Or Spill Drinks
This isn't your personal dining room, especially when the car is full or it isn't yours. However, if you must take a bite, be mindful because nothing ruins a drive like the smell of spilled coffee seeping into the upholstery.
9. Argue About The Route
Once the car's in motion, it's not the time to start debating road choices. If there was a better way, that conversation needed to happen before the turn signal flicked on. Mid-drive second-guessing only leads to missed exits and unnecessary tension.
10. Exit The Car Unsafely
Swinging the door open without checking for traffic? That's how bikers, pedestrians, and side mirrors suffer. No driver wants to have a passenger who does not take a second to glance before making a dramatic exit.
Thankfully, there are ways you can avoid being the nightmare and make the ride feel effortless. If you want to be the kind of co-pilot drivers actually appreciate, here's how to make yourself indispensable on the road.
1. Be Ready For Unexpected Situations
Flat tires, sudden detours, or an empty gas tank can happen anytime. A great passenger stays calm and offers to help, whether by searching for the nearest gas station, holding a flashlight, or looking up roadside assistance. Being prepared for the unexpected makes you a reliable co-pilot, not just extra baggage.
2. Help Navigate When Needed
GPS isn't perfect, and neither are drivers juggling directions. So, step in when necessary. Call out turns in time, double-check routes, and prevent unnecessary U-turns. Just don't be the person who says, "Oh, we were supposed to turn back there" after it's too late.
3. Keep The Mood Light And Relaxed
Tense and awkward journeys are the worst. Whether it's rush-hour frustration or road trip exhaustion, try to set the tone. Crack a joke or pick up on the driver's energy. Don't fuel anyone's stress. You should know when to keep things chill and when to pump up the vibe.
4. Manage Climate Sensibly
You're in charge of the atmosphere, but you're not the dictator of it. Always check with the driver before cranking the AC. They're the ones juggling the wheel, and if they're uncomfortable, it affects everyone. So, it's best to find a balance that keeps everyone happy.
5. Secure Loose Items Before Driving
Phones, water bottles, backpacks—loose stuff turns into flying hazards when a sudden stop happens. Instead of letting everything roll around like an obstacle course, stash items properly. A little effort upfront prevents mid-drive distractions and a potential mess.
6. Assist With Toll Payments Or Parking Fees
Scrambling for change at a toll booth? Not ideal. Be the person who's ready with cash, a parking app, or the toll pass when needed. Small moments like these make the ride smoother and prove you're more than just a seat warmer.
7. Offer To Handle Food And Drink Runs
If hunger strikes, step up. Whether it's about grabbing snacks at a rest stop or running into a drive-thru, helping with food duty saves time. And if you're eating in the car? Minimize the mess because no one enjoys vacuuming fries out of cupholders.
8. Watch For Blind Spots While Merging
A simple "You're clear" or "Car coming up on the right" makes a world of difference. While the driver checks their mirrors, you get a better side-angle view. This way, you can be the extra set of eyes that adds an extra layer of safety. When passengers don't go overboard, drivers really appreciate it.
9. Know When Silence Is Best
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all. Long drives, stressful routes, or a driver's bad mood don't always need fixing with conversation. And when you know it's time to keep things calm, it's one passenger skill all daily drivers admire.
10. Express Gratitude To The Driver
They picked you up and dropped you at your destination, all while avoiding bad drivers and keeping you safe. So, a simple "Thanks for driving" or covering their coffee goes a long way. The best passengers show appreciation—those who don't might find themselves Uber-ing next time.
