Safety + Theft Prevention
How To Keep Your Passengers Safe And Happy
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Your car is suddenly filled with a group of your friends who are all very thankful you’ve offered to give them a ride. But as the car lurches away from the curb, are they having second thoughts?
Driving To Please
You can get from A to B without incident and you think you’re a pretty good driver, but do your passengers think so? Keep in mind that as the driver you have a sense of control that your passengers don’t share. Take extra care to give your passengers a smooth ride. As you’re hugging that tight curve, you may not mind that you’re leaning way to the left, but your passengers might! Be sure to avoid any potholes and go over speed bumps carefully.
If you think you’re going to impress your passengers by burning rubber, making illegal U-turns and defying the rules of the road, think again. Getting angry at other drivers in order to save face is also not going to reassure your passengers, nor is pointing out all the insane drivers on the road or talking about car accidents. At dinner, you don’t talk about things that can cause indigestion and in the car you don’t want to talk about things that are going to make your passengers nervous.
Before cranking up the stereo or rolling down the windows, check in with everyone. Is it too cold? Too hot? Does anyone mind if the music is turned up? Your concern for their comfort will set them at ease.
Finally, make sure that your focus stays on the road. As entertaining as it may be to tell a story by miming out the scenario, passengers in general feel safer when your hands are on the wheel.
Keeping The Interior Clean
As thankful as your passengers may be for the ride, it’s still an awkward moment for all if your car is a mess. You wouldn’t invite guests over if your house was in disarray, nor do you want to invite guests into your car without cleaning it.
If it’s time to vacuum and dust the interior, why not do it beforehand so that those riding along with you can benefit from your efforts? If you have a battery-operated dust buster, it won’t take too much time to go over the seats and floor. Then wipe a damp cloth along the dashboard and console, along the door handles and the deck under the rear window. Don’t forget to shake out the floor mats and you’re done. It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal to keep your car nice and clean. At the very least, keep the seats free of clutter and garbage.
Battling The Elements
It can be nerve-wracking for you and your passengers if you suddenly find yourself battling the elements and losing. Maybe you’re stuck in the snow or driving in a dense fog. What can you do? Being prepared for anything before you hit the road will go a long way toward ensuring that you and your passengers arrive safely.
If you’re stuck in the snow, turn your tires to the right and then to the left to move the ice and snow out of the way. Keep a bag of kitty litter in your trunk. If your wheels are spinning, you can pour a bit under the tires and it will provide the perfect traction for your wheels.
If you’re driving in fog, don’t use your high beams. The light will just reflect off the fog and make it harder for you to see where you’re going. If you have to pull off to the side of the road, make sure you are well out of the way, so that other cars coming down the road aren’t going to hit you.
Putting It All Together
If you’re giving your friends or colleagues a lift be aware of how your driving is affecting them. Do they look relaxed? Or are they holding on to the side of the door for dear life? Be respectful of your passengers. You may hold the keys and own the car, but they’re putting their lives in your hands. Do what you can to set them at ease so that everyone can enjoy the ride.
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