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No one likes driving with a backseat driver, particularly one in the passenger seat. But passengers can have a positive impact on a driver's safe operation of a motor vehicle. Whether you participate in a regular carpool -- or if you're just letting someone else take the wheel for a change -- here are some tips to enhance the safety of your ride.
Co-Pilots aren't second bananas: Passengers can act as extra sets of eyes and ears for drivers. Be aware of traffic -- whether your driver is merging onto a highway or pulling out of a driveway -- and lean back if your driver is looking toward the right.
Hang up your phone. Passengers who chat on their phones are inherently not paying attention to the road. And your conversation can be a distraction to the driver as well. If you do have to be on the phone, keep it short -- and keep your voice down.
Zip it. If you're startled at something and you yell, you might actually be the cause of an accident that wouldn't have happened but for your outburst. If you're a jumpy or nervous passenger, try to concentrate on keeping it to yourself.
Get in or get out -- but do it quickly. Open doors are hazards on the open road, as a driver piloting a fast-moving vehicle might not react quickly enough -- or have enough room -- to avoid hitting an opening door.
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