5 Ways to Stop Being a Distracting Backseat Driver

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

5 Ways to Stop Being a Distracting Backseat Driver

Introduction of Backseat Driver:

The backseat driver is normally considered to be a harmless, sometimes humorous individual who cannot refrain from passing unsolicited advice or comments during a car ride. However, being a distracting backseat driver is not a joke, really. Research shows that one in every seven accidents is related to backseat driver distractions. These may stress the person at the wheel and lead to errors-or even an accident.

In other words, a backseat driver is not only a pain in the neck but also a very serious hazard. So, if you are a passenger, it’s time to realize when some comment or action from your side may cause harm and learn to become a better, more supportive companion on the road. Following are five ways to cease being a distracting backseat driver, according to expert advice by Lotus Car Rental.

1. Under Pressure: Avoid Piling on the Stress

It’s natural to want to help the backseat driver by giving feedback-either pointing out a sharp corner up ahead, advising them to slow down, or commenting on their speed. As well-meaning as that may be, such constant input actually has quite an opposite effect. Rather than making the situation any safer, often it raises the pressure on the backseat driver, which leads to distraction and mistakes.

Already, the backseat driver is burdened with so much tasks: having to keep his eyes on the road, monitoring his speed, watching out for any probable hazard, and making instant decisions. Added to this, comments or words of advice from the passenger seat only add to his mental workload, which may just cause him to commit an error.

If you are one of those ‘chatty’ passengers, find yourself busy with some other things. You may want to read a book or magazine, or just listen to some music-even a podcast. Feel free to use your phone, of course, but not so the backseat driver actually sees what’s on the screen. In this way, by keeping your mind occupied, you’re less likely to feel the need or urge to start providing some form of running commentary. If you do truly feel the need to pipe up, speak only when necessary and always do so calmly.

2. Hands On: Keep Your Gestures in Check

Some passengers don’t just give verbal inputs but actually non-verbal ones, such as a tight grip on the armrests when approaching a corner, bracing oneself when the driver changes lanes, or giving out some nervous gasp in case one feels that something is wrong. These gestures may seem so minute to one but these may also serve to make the driver ill at ease or less confident of his or her driving capability.

It is much like driving along, feeling confident on the road, when, suddenly, a passenger reaches for the door or utters an audible gasp-the gestures instantaneously portray the message that something is amiss when, actually, the conditions of the road are perfectly harmless. These gestures heighten the anxiety of the driver to question whether the choices he will make are right or whether he is up to the mark in controlling his vehicle.

The best way, being conscious of it, to stop this behavior is to cut back these habits. Try to trust the backseat driver and give them space to handle the car without added pressure. If you cannot control your physical reactions, sometimes looking out the window or focusing on another subject may take your mind off the driving process.

3. Choose Wisely: When and How to Speak Up

Of course, it is important not to overload the driver with extra comments, but sometimes you really need to speak up-especially if you think the backseat driver is in danger or putting others in danger. If he or she is driving way too fast, tailgating, or indulging in other potentially unsafe behavior, it is your responsibility to bring it to their attention. But how and when you bring such things to their attention is paramount.

If there is something you would like to say about a driving practice that makes you uneasy, you would want to pick a calm and safe time to do so. Maybe if the car is stopped at lights or pulled over to the curb you could say what you feel needs to be said without distracting the backseat driver at the worst possible moment. It’s also important to keep your cool and tact measured. Please do not attempt to yell or show aggression, as this only serves to exacerbate the situation, since people panic or frustrated. Try to convey your concerns in a manner that can be as calm and constructive as possible.

You might say, “I think we are going a little too fast. Can we slow down a bit?” rather than accusing the backseat driver of being a reckless driver. If the backseat driver persists in unsafe behavior after your reasonable intervention, you can always withdraw from the situation by getting out of the car when safely able to do so.

4. Whine It In: Avoid Complaining About Traffic

Nobody likes being in traffic. It’s dull, it’s annoying, and it puts everybody in a bad mood. But constantly complaining about this fact does absolutely nothing to cure the situation and can actually make the drive much more stressful for the backseat driver.

If you get frustrated with the traffic, think twice before you say any of the negative things about it. Try, instead, to initiate a conversation that has nothing at all to do with the frustrating situation; the time goes by more quickly that way, and will lighten the mood inside the car in much happier ways.

You could ask your chauffeur what they’re doing at the weekend, you could tell them about a movie you recently saw, or something that happened in the news that you found thrilling. You don’t say anything that might give any impression of traffic congestion, and as a result, you’re reducing potential stress and anger for yourself and your chauffeur, so you can arrange a good ride home for all your travelers.

5. Plain Sailing: Plan the Journey Ahead of Time

One way you can avoid distractions and arguments on a car journey is by preparing for all things in advance. First, map your route so you wouldn’t have to debate over directions, where to stop, or which road to take at high speeds on the road. Advanced planning will reduce last-minute decisions that might impose tension, confusion, or even unsafe driving.

Before setting off, sit down with the driver and discuss the route to be taken, stops over, and alternative roads in case of traffic. This may not only put the backseat driver’s mind at rest but puts all individuals involved in the trip on the same page of thought. On the road, try to stick to your plan as much as possible and avoid sudden changes unless absolutely necessary.

Besides, it is a good idea to use some kind of navigation app with current traffic reporting and suggestions for alternative routes. This minimizes the chances of arguments about which direction to take and also assures that the driver does not have to divide their attention between driving and making last-minute navigation decisions.

Conclusion:

How to Be a Supportive, Not Distracting, Passenger Most people underestimate the role of the passenger, but he can play a big role in the comfort and safety of the backseat driver. You can be of immense help and a great support on the road by being calm, restraining from unnecessary comments, and by planning ahead.

Remember, being a good passenger is just as important as being a good driver in terms of road safety. The next time you are riding shotgun, here are some ways you can help make the ride smooth and safe.

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