Learn how to be a good passenger?

Distracted driver, its causes and consequences are many. While mobile phones, loud music, engaging in an aggressive road race, are amongst the most talked about and common on-road-distractions. However, there is one more disturbing element that needs to be taken care of, we are talking about the person sitting right next to the driver.

Yes, the person sitting a few inches away from the driver, occupying the passenger’s seat has a substantial effect on the driver and his driving style. Most passengers are unaware of the impact they have on the driver. According to a recent research conducted by Ford, when it comes to safety, passenger behaviour is just as crucial as the person handling the steering wheel.

How passengers influence the drive?

Passengers affect driver’s behaviour both positively and negatively. And it is the bad influence we are concerned about as it puts both the people inside and outside the car at risk. A road safety study showed that car’s with passengers are 60 percent more prone to crash resulting in serious injury then when the driver is alone.

When measuring the influence a passenger has on the driver many factors are taken into consideration like -

• Passenger’s age
• The relationship between the driver and passenger
• Gender of the passenger

Sounds wired? Well, here’s an example that’ll help you understand the theory better. The conducted study showed that women displayed lower levels of risky driving, however, with the presence of the men they are more likely to practice risky driving. The scenario was opposite when a woman driver was accompanied by a female passenger.

Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Fazi, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, on the conducted study said: “Consider the impact that your presence as a passenger can have on the driver, support everyone’s safe arrival by avoiding distracting behaviours and helping the driver stay focused on the road.”

How to be a passenger with a good influence?

Here are five way you can be a calm sidekick and helpful passenger, rather than a bad influence.

1.Be a helpful co-pilot

Being a useful and active co-pilot is the first thing you can do as a passenger. Help the driver with navigation, answer phone calls, take control of the entertainment and air con unit, and warn the driver about upcoming hazards. Lastly, be a good company.

2. Don’t be a distraction

Be anything, but not a distraction. Let the driver concentrate on the road by minimising your bothersome actions. Like, don’t talk loudly or change the music now and then. Try not comment on the driving as its very distracting.

3. Do not sleep

When sitting next to the driver, you too have a role to play in ensuring everyone’s safety. When sitting in front, never sleep as chances are the driver may fall asleep too. During long road trips, try swapping driver’s, so that everyone gets adequate rest.

4. When with kids, be prepared

If you are travelling with kids, always be prepared with essentials like snacks, books, or things that’ll keep them engaged. Make sure everyone is appropriately seated with seat belts and age-appropriate car seats enacted. This will maximise safety and minimise distractions.

5. Speak up

As a front seated passenger, you must keep driver’s action in check. In case the driver is engaging in risky practices, speak up and tell them not to put your and other lives at risk.

So, guys, it’s not just the driver who’s responsible for everyone’s safety. You can too contribute to the process by being a helpful co-passenger.