Many people are aware of the distractions to avoid whilst driving, mobile phones are a key example, what drivers might not realise is passengers can also be a big distraction which can lead to accidents. We suggest sending your drivers a link to this article so they can get a few tips on how to keep focused on the road when they have passengers in their vehicles.
Taking passengers on journeys is an inevitable part of driving, some passengers can be delightful and helpful during the journey with tips on directions or simply keeping themselves to themselves. However, there are also passengers who can be distracting and take the driver’s focus off the road, which can be very dangerous. We take a look a few situations and how as a driver you can ensure your focus remains firmly on the road.
Talking with Passengers
Talking with passengers can be enough to take a driver’s attention off the road and lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Different conversations and passengers require more of our attention, a discussion about an upcoming business meeting requires more attention than a discussion about the weather. Where possible we suggest keeping conversations whilst driving simple and light, keep any serious conversations or business talk for when you are safely parked. This is especially important when tackling difficult junctions or unknown areas and in challenging weather conditions. If a conversation comes up just let your passenger know that you’d rather discuss this when you are not trying to focus on driving.
Back-Seat Drivers
Driving is a task best tacked by one individual with some assistance from a passenger if this is positive and constructive. Some passengers can be over critical of a driver’s decisions and even make sounds or negative comments which can distract a driver. We suggest if you have a back-seat driver as a passenger to politely ask them to avoid commenting on your driving and sit in the back and focus on something else. If they feel uncomfortable with you driving, you could suggest they drive separately or find alternative transport.
Passenger Music
Some drivers find that music can be relaxing and help them focus on the road, usually this is when the music is at a low level and part of the background noise. Passengers who take over the music controls, encourage loud music, singing or even music car games can become very distracting to the driver. We suggest the driver should select a playlist, radio station or silence and before setting off let your passengers know what you feel comfortable with. Most passengers will be polite and appreciate that you are driving and respect the boundaries you put in place.
It’s important to remember that passengers can be a big distraction to drivers, we recommend setting expectations before the journey begins to avoid uncomfortable situations and potential distractions.
