Car passenger etiquette

Remember when you just got your license and your friends were so excited because now they're not caged up at home? That whole, "I'm 16 and I have my license and I am FREE!" feeling is awesome. Your friends hop in and you all have fun going to the beach or the local mall or just going out to lunch or just cruising around (because you think you're cool like that). Your friends chat with you and now you have memories of good times. Well, I'm years from being that 16 year old and passengers aren't always that fun anymore, unfortunately. There are a few expectations I have for passengers and car etiquette that I think everyone should read and note for future information.

Main responsibility of the passenger?
Assist the driver to safely and successfully get from point A to point B.
keyword = assist

• Stay awake! You can not assist the driver while sleeping. If there are more than 2 people in the automobile and you can't stay awake then sit in the back seat.
  
• Navigate. The passenger is the navigator. This is especially relevant if you are taking a road trip or going somewhere that the driver is not knowledgeable of the area. You have a GPS? Well the driver is not supposed to operate that while driving so that means the passenger is in charge of it. If you can't work the GPS, you have a bad sense of direction, you don't know the area or you just suck at directions sit in the back seat.
• Watch for other drivers. Pay attention and be aware of slow drivers or fast drivers and cops or other random things on the street like boxes or ladders (seriously).
  
• Make conversation. Talking to the driver helps keep them awake because if you're in the car in traffic or driving long distances, it gets boring. If you're going to be in the car with anyone you might as well take that time to get to know them. I'm sure you don't know all your drivers that well where there's nothing to talk about. If that's the case, sit in the back seat.
• Don't talk on your phone the whole ride or text the whole time. That is inconsiderate since you're the passenger (even if you're in the back seat).
  
• Music entertainment etiquette is what? Permission based. YES that is correct! If it's not your car and you're not driving you don't get to choose the musical entertainment unless the driver specifically says it's ok. Don't touch the radio or put in a cd or turn it off without permission. Can you say, "Mother may I?" No? Sit in the back seat.
  

Did I miss any other "common sense" knowledge about being a automobile passenger? Leave me a comment and tell me about it.


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