Driving Each Other Crazy
Passengers versus drivers—who annoys who the most? Based on your personal experience, you probably have a biased opinion; those who spend more time being passengers likely believe drivers are more irritating, and those who spend more time behind the wheel think the opposite. In reality, there are habits that both sides do that can be equally irritating. Can you relate to any of these? Here are 10 things passengers do that annoy drivers—and vice versa.
1. Changing Music
Passengers who call dibs on being the DJ annoy most drivers; it's as if they don't realize (or care) that they're in someone else's car, not their own. Even if they're not insisting on connecting their phones to play their own playlist, they might be skipping songs so often that it gives the driver a headache.
2. Putting Feet Up
Passengers like to act as if they get a ride, they can treat the car like it's their own home. They might do weird (and gross) things, like taking off their shoes and socks, and setting their feet up on the dashboard or over the seats, despite the driver telling them not to do that.
3. Eating Messily
What's worse than unanimously deciding to be the DJ? Passengers who eat sloppily in someone else's car without caring about the crumbs, stains, and sticky messes they leave behind. Even worse than that? When they don't clean up after themselves.
4. Talking Loudly or Overreacting
Another way passengers annoy drivers is when they're talking way too loud or too much, which can be extremely distracting in certain situations for the one behind the wheel. Then there are the passengers who overreact to every little thing, like a turn that's just a bit wide or speeding through a yellow, screaming bloody murder like the driver did something horribly wrong.
5. Slamming Doors
Passengers who slam car doors have a special place waiting for them in the place-that-should-not-be-named. Sure, they might not think it hurts the car or does any damage, but that shouldn't mean they shouldn't still treat the driver's vehicle with respect.
6. Leaving Garbage Lying Around
Worse than a passenger who eats messily? One who leaves their garbage lying around afterward. Sometimes, they stuff wrappers, napkins, opened ketchup packets, and receipts in the most obscure places, so that when the driver finally finds it, it's probably because the smell was stinking up the car.
7. Giving Bad Directions
Passengers can do one helpful thing, which is giving directions. What's not helpful, though, are passengers who give confusing guides and instruct you to turn, merge, or change lanes far too late. At that point, the driver might as well just navigate themselves.
8. Ignoring the Driver's Rules
When passengers are in someone else's car, they're subject to the driver's rules. If the person behind the wheel says the radio needs to stay at a respectable volume or that seatbelts must be fastened, these shouldn't be taken as mere suggestions—they're non-negotiable. Obey them, or walk.
9. Fiddling with Controls
Passengers who constantly fiddle around with the locks, windows, and cooler and heater controls also have a special spot reserved for them in the place-that-should-not-be-named. Unless the driver has given explicit permission to adjust things, passengers should keep their hands to themselves.
10. Constantly Critiquing
"I wouldn't turn like that if I were you"; "That was such a bad merge"; "You're driving so slow, can you speed up?" Every time a passenger gives unsolicited advice and input on how the person behind the wheel is handling things on the road, they spike the driver's annoyance meter up. Plus, back-seat drivers distract more than help, meaning drivers might actually be more likely to get into an accident when someone's shouting at them over their shoulders.
But the irritation goes both ways, and there’s no shortage of things drivers do that get on passengers’ nerves.
1. Not Using Turn Signals
Drivers who don't use their signals make for a very nerve-wracking ride for not only the passengers in the car, but other road users as well. After all, driving is an extremely complex task that requires frequent communication so that everyone stays safe. Forgoing the use of basic signals to show intention can put passengers and others in danger.
2. Road Rage
Drivers who engage in road rage or perform aggressive maneuvers on the road can also annoy—and scare—passengers. Even if everyone escapes the situation unscathed and safe, it can still be an embarrassing thing to be a part of.
3. Bad Parking
Speaking of embarrassing things... ever been a passenger of a driver who can't park? Sure, attempting to swing into a bay in a near-empty lot is one thing, but being forced to witness a horrible parallel park job while a dozen cars are watching is kind of nauseating. Well, maybe more so for the driver, but passengers who have been in this exact situation can relate to the feeling.
4. Driving Too Slow or Fast
Passengers who care about safety probably don't want their drivers to be speeding down the road and zipping in and out through the lanes, but there's also another type of frustration and annoyance reserved for drivers who move way too slow. There needs to be a perfect balance.
5. Making Calls or Texting
Drivers who like talking on the phone while driving: why? Passengers probably don't want to be listening in on your conversations (unless there's some juicy gossip), so save the calls for later. Plus, calling and texting while driving (or even at red lights) is extremely dangerous and illegal. Whatever it is, put the phone down for now. If it's urgent, pull over first.
6. Bad Braking
Drivers who give their passengers whiplash when braking too suddenly, or braking at the last second: why? Not only does this give passengers anxiety, but abrupt starts and stops can probably hurt their necks, too. Is it really that hard to brake smoothly, gradually, and early?
7. Being a Strict DJ
Sure, some passengers may assume they have the right to change songs and blast music, but some drivers can be so strict with the DJ rules that no one can even have fun at all. Sometimes, they might even prefer driving in complete silence, which can make for a pretty boring ride if passengers are also not allowed to talk too loud (or at all).
8. Being Late
While passengers should be thankful to get driven around, drivers should also at least be punctual—especially if they were the one who set the time. Plus, drivers with bad time management may also arrive to other places late, like appointments, reservations, and important events.
9. Not Following GPS
Passengers who can't give directions are one thing, but drivers who refuse to use GPS are another. It's even worse if their navigational sense is horrible, which basically guarantees that they'll get lost trying to get to their destination.
10. Being a Jittery or Anxious Driver
Is it safe to turn yet? Are lane changes allowed here? When's a good time to merge? Passengers of anxious drivers are probably less annoyed and more nervous. After all, they may think they can't trust the person behind the wheel, and may reflexively grip any handles they can find, holding on for dear life.
