As drivers, we don’t usually know the feeling of what it’s like to be a passenger. This is why the world is so full of the infamous backseat drivers; passengers who nag, complain and sometimes even ridicule your driving skills to the point where you’ll get angry. There are some passengers who even give you directions (that’s what a GPS is for), or even drag you into arguments or conversations and distract you from driving properly.

So today, we decided to take a look at how YOU can be a perfect passenger on the road, and how being the perfect passenger can reduce or even prevent distracted driving.

1. No Distractions

Distracting the driver is an accident waiting to happen. Drivers should have full focus on the road, and as a passenger, it is your job to minimize any distractions. Researchers have found that passenger's behaviour is just as crucial as the driver’s when it comes to safety. Studies have shown that drivers with passengers were 60% more likely to have a crash resulting in serious injury compared to when driving alone. So try not to talk loudly on the phone, constantly change the music or - and this is important - comment on their driving.

2. Help Out When Necessary

A passenger is freed up from the job of driving, which is why it’s vital for the passenger to take a role in jobs that the driver themselves cannot do. For example, navigating the GPS to an unfamiliar location, give warnings on hazards on the road, helping the driver to answer phone calls and just generally keeping the driver company and making sure he or she is not dozing off while driving.  

3. Keep The Kids Occupied

Kids are one of the worst distractions you can have in a car. An angry child is a dangerous child, especially when you have children who actively engage in meltdowns and temper tantrums. Try to keep your kids occupied with a book, games or anything that would minimize distractions to you as a driver. Remember, your kids are the most precious passengers you can have in your car!

4.Don’t Sleep

Sleeping in the car is probably everyone’s favorite thing to do, especially when it comes to long roadtrips or balik kampung jams. But did you know that a sleeping passenger can increase the chance of the driver falling asleep as well? Imagine if the driver needs a break, or just someone to talk to to keep themselves energized, but everyone is fast asleep. That would be a dangerous thing scenario indeed. The best thing to do is to have a few drivers on standby for long journeys, so that everyone can take a much needed rest when tired.

What do you think? Do you follow these few methods of being a safe and responsible passenger? Leave a comment below!