Being a passenger: how to help the driver stay safe at the wheel

You’re the passenger in a car. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride while your driver whisks you to your destination. That might be true if you’re the Queen. But for mere mortals, being a passenger – particularly in the front seat – is a responsible role.

Passengers can be responsible for distracting the driver, with disastrous consequences. But it need not be like that. Read on to see how you can actively engage in getting from A to B as swiftly and safely as possible – without being behind the wheel.

Think of yourself as the co-driver

In rally cars, the co-driver is an extra pair of eyes for the driver, telling them where to go and warning them of hazards. There’s no reason why a front seat passenger shouldn’t play a similar role. You can alert the driver to vehicles they may not have seen or look out for road signs. And you can be a handy assistant, programming the sat nav and taking control of in-car entertainment.

Be a help not a hindrance

If you’re at a junction, do one of two things. Either put your head back so you’re not obscuring the driver’s view to the left. Or look on the driver’s behalf and tell them if it’s safe to go. Advanced driving instructors recommend saying firmly: “Clear left,” when there’s a suitable break in the traffic. What you don’t want to do is lean forwards to satisfy yourself that the way is clear, then neglect to inform the driver.

Don’t distract the driver

Drivers need to concentrate. You won’t be doing them, or ultimately yourself any favours by turning up the sound system, holding your phone up to show them Facebook posts or opening the door at speed. Try not to turn on the interior light when it’s dark; it has a serious effect on what the driver can see outside the car.

Know when to keep quiet

You can talk to the driver but it’s probably best not to grill them about anything complicated. Equally, some parts of driving require more concentration than others. If a junction is approaching, you could help the driver to focus by pausing a conversation or turning the music down.

Know when to bite your tongue

Unless you’re sitting alongside a learner driver, you shouldn’t interfere with the driving process. We’re not just talking about grabbing the wheel. We mean criticising the driver too. They may well not change gear as and when you would. They might hold the steering wheel one-handed when they’re not changing gear. They might even take roundabouts in the wrong lane. But you shouldn’t give them a constant commentary on everything they’re doing incorrectly. It’ll wind them up, increase their stress levels and that’ll probably have a negative effect on their driving.

Know when a passenger should pipe up

You might be directing someone along roads that are unfamiliar to them or both of you. In that case, they will probably thank you if you tell them which lane they need to be in. Equally, if you see a vehicle that they may not have noticed, don’t be afraid to tell them. And of course, you should react in a firm but calm way if the driver is doing something – consciously or otherwise – that directly endangers the lives of you or other road users.

If you’re in a tight spot

Dangerous situations can and frequently do arise on the road. For passengers, these can be a real test. You have no control over the vehicle, yet you’re as vulnerable as the person at the wheel. The one thing not to do is to gasp, shout, swear, or wave your arms around. At this point, the driver could be needing all their powers of concentration to get through the situation safely. To tweak an old saying: ‘If you can’t say anything helpful, don’t say anything at all.’ It’s never been truer.