Backseat drivers are often seen as a joke – a busybody who constantly butts in or gives unprompted ‘advice’ through out an entire journey, rapidly becoming an annoyance.

However, research shows that one in seven accidents are caused by distractions created by backseat drivers, meaning the joke is no longer quite so funny. So, if you’re a passenger, you need to learn when to speak up – and, just as importantly, when to shut up.

To help, Lotus Car Rental has created several tips for being a useful passenger, not a distracting, overbearing or overly cautious loudmouth:

1. Under pressure

You might feel like you’re helping the driver by chirping in about, say, their speed or their approach to a corner. However, in reality, you could actually be adding to the pressure being piled on the driver. This in turn can lead to them becoming distracted, putting you in more danger than if you had kept quiet. If you are a ‘chatty’ passenger, it’s best to keep yourself distracted by reading a magazine or listening to music.

2. Hands on

You may be one of those passengers who, when approaching a corner, decides to grab on to the arm rest or let out a gasp. These kind of verbal and physical cues again serve to undermine the driver, putting them on edge. It’s essential that you curtail such unhelpful actions – or you could end making any situation worst and therefore more dangerous.

3. Choose wisely

If you do feel the driver is legitimately being unsafe, you do have the right to say so – but it’s crucial to choose the right moment to voice your concerns. For instance, when you are pulled over or if you have to, when the car is stopped at traffic lights. Also try and put forward your observations in a calm manner, instead of yelling. If they won’t listen/continue to drive like an idiot, then get out of the car when it is safe to do so.

4. Whine it in

We all get frustrated when stuck in traffic or another stress-baiting situation. If your sole contribution to dealing with the tedium is to complain constantly about it, then you’re not helping. Instead, consider making conversation about something completely unrelated to being in bumper to bumper during rush hour. It will make the time pass more pleasantly for both you and the driver.

5. Plain sailing

To help the driver, consider planning the journey before you set off. Such an approach reduces the risk of arguments breaking out about when to stop or which road to take as it’s all been taken care of up front – and not at 70mph on the M40.

Know Your Code

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