On Backseat Drivers
Today's advice comes from guest writer Kathy Vanwormer, a proclaimed expert on topics of advanced drivology and nose into buisness placement. And without further adieu...
Dear James,
I have compiled the following essay to educate the public on backseat drivers. Please share this information with your readers.
Sincerely,
Kathy
On the Importance of Backseat Drivers
Many people in our society fail to see the necessity and wisdom of backseat drivers. This is a grave mistake to make, as having extra eyes, ears, and a mouth is often essential to the proper operation of a vehicle.
First, it is necessary to identify a backseat driver. The most important aspect of a backseat driver is that their two cents are not solicited by the driver, but instead are given by the free will of the participating driving assistant. The term “backseat” can be misleading as a backseat driver can sit in any position in the car except for the driver’s seat. It is best to sit in the back right or front passenger positions to have a better view of the speedometer, blinker indicators, and driver’s feet. A backseat driver is someone who positions themselves and then shares thoughts, ideas, or observations related to the operation of the vehicle. Some backseat drivers are called “navigators” while others are “vehicle operation experts”, giving navigational and operational advice, respectively. A backseat driver can also take both of these positions simultaneously, offering the most extensive help to the driver possible.
A backseat driver’s main responsibility is to the safety of the vehicle. This includes reminding the driver when they are driving too fast for the legal speed or current conditions, if they are stopping too late or accelerating too quickly, or if they fail to follow any other safety rule such as stopping completely at stop signs to the letter. As driving is a difficult task, the reminders must come often enough to keep these considerations fresh in the driver’s mind, perhaps every 30 seconds to 1 minute. The backseat driver must also serve as the eyes for the driver when looking to the right, especially when backing out of a parking spot. They should also alert the driver when any other car comes within 500 feet of the vehicle, helping to maintain a safety bubble around the car.
The secondary responsibilities of a backseat driver are related to the navigation of the vehicle. This includes but is not limited to: reminding the driver which lane to be in at all times to achieve the desired destination, announcing “forward!”, “left!”, or “right!” at every intersection, and improvising routes when the driver seems lost or confused to keep the vehicle on the right path. It may be necessary to extensively unfold a very large map in the front seat when the driver is severely lost, making sure to hold it close enough for him/her to read their location.
Another less common responsibility of a backseat driver is to answer cell phones or make calls for the driver. If the drivers phone rings, it is safest if the backseat driver answers it, no matter who the caller may be. The backseat driver should feel free to divulge information about the location and intents of the driver upon request. Sending messages from the driver's phone can also relieve the driver of the task of trying to message friends and family while operating a vehicle. All of this correspondence can easily and efficiently be carried out by the backseat driver.
This short essay was written to educate people on the importance of backseat drivers. Next time you are driving and one of your friends is being helpful in these ways, don’t tell them to be quiet, instead salute them and thank them for their effective efforts!
***
Coming up next: Hair loss and how it contributes to voyeurism, and a mystery celebrity asks for help on cutting loose! All this coming up sometime this week on Advice From James.
Dear James,
I have compiled the following essay to educate the public on backseat drivers. Please share this information with your readers.
Sincerely,
Kathy
On the Importance of Backseat Drivers
Many people in our society fail to see the necessity and wisdom of backseat drivers. This is a grave mistake to make, as having extra eyes, ears, and a mouth is often essential to the proper operation of a vehicle.
First, it is necessary to identify a backseat driver. The most important aspect of a backseat driver is that their two cents are not solicited by the driver, but instead are given by the free will of the participating driving assistant. The term “backseat” can be misleading as a backseat driver can sit in any position in the car except for the driver’s seat. It is best to sit in the back right or front passenger positions to have a better view of the speedometer, blinker indicators, and driver’s feet. A backseat driver is someone who positions themselves and then shares thoughts, ideas, or observations related to the operation of the vehicle. Some backseat drivers are called “navigators” while others are “vehicle operation experts”, giving navigational and operational advice, respectively. A backseat driver can also take both of these positions simultaneously, offering the most extensive help to the driver possible.
A backseat driver’s main responsibility is to the safety of the vehicle. This includes reminding the driver when they are driving too fast for the legal speed or current conditions, if they are stopping too late or accelerating too quickly, or if they fail to follow any other safety rule such as stopping completely at stop signs to the letter. As driving is a difficult task, the reminders must come often enough to keep these considerations fresh in the driver’s mind, perhaps every 30 seconds to 1 minute. The backseat driver must also serve as the eyes for the driver when looking to the right, especially when backing out of a parking spot. They should also alert the driver when any other car comes within 500 feet of the vehicle, helping to maintain a safety bubble around the car.
The secondary responsibilities of a backseat driver are related to the navigation of the vehicle. This includes but is not limited to: reminding the driver which lane to be in at all times to achieve the desired destination, announcing “forward!”, “left!”, or “right!” at every intersection, and improvising routes when the driver seems lost or confused to keep the vehicle on the right path. It may be necessary to extensively unfold a very large map in the front seat when the driver is severely lost, making sure to hold it close enough for him/her to read their location.
Another less common responsibility of a backseat driver is to answer cell phones or make calls for the driver. If the drivers phone rings, it is safest if the backseat driver answers it, no matter who the caller may be. The backseat driver should feel free to divulge information about the location and intents of the driver upon request. Sending messages from the driver's phone can also relieve the driver of the task of trying to message friends and family while operating a vehicle. All of this correspondence can easily and efficiently be carried out by the backseat driver.
This short essay was written to educate people on the importance of backseat drivers. Next time you are driving and one of your friends is being helpful in these ways, don’t tell them to be quiet, instead salute them and thank them for their effective efforts!
***
Coming up next: Hair loss and how it contributes to voyeurism, and a mystery celebrity asks for help on cutting loose! All this coming up sometime this week on Advice From James.
posted by James at 7:41 PM
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