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Turned Tables: When Drivers Become Passengers

RSG Contributor Jay Cradeur shares how being a passenger can make you a better driver.

After completing 29,944 rides as a rideshare driver, I've had my fair share of experiences behind the wheel. But the moments spent in the passenger seat have offered me the most profound insights into being a better driver.?

The unique vantage point of the back seat has shed light on nuances often overlooked when focused on the road ahead. I have taken Uber rides in Bogota, Paris, and San Francisco.?

It does not have to be an Uber. In Thailand, you can either hail a taxi or use a service called Grab. Grab has an app just like Uber. If you want to learn what makes a great driver, you must be a passenger.

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Background

Switching roles from driver to passenger is akin to stepping into another world. The back seat offers a new lens through which to view our service.?

Comfort, nuances of interaction, and the ambiance of the vehicle come into sharper focus.?

This dual perspective has been instrumental in refining my approach to driving.?

What's it like to get into a car and have the driver talk non-stop?? ?

What is it like to get into a car and see dust and debris all over its interior??

How do you feel when the driver is playing loud metal music when you have just gotten off of work and want to get home to unwind and relax??

Go and be a passenger, and you will see.

The Impact of a Clean Car

Cleanliness is more than just a courtesy; it's a silent communicator of professionalism and respect. As a passenger, the first impression of a clean car sets a tone of trust and comfort.?

It shows the driver values their workspace and, by extension, their passengers. I remember getting into a car at the San Francisco airport. It was a Pool ride, so I sat in the front seat.?

The dirt on the dashboard was so thick that you could run your finger through it and write your name.?

There was a fast food bag on the floor. I have always been on the clean side, but that experience taught me the value of a clean car. I get a car wash once a week and vacuum and wipe down the inside.?

I always start each morning with a shot of Ozium.? If I get a smoker in my car, once they leave, I blast the vehicle again with Ozium and roll down the windows to freshen up.

The Impact of Nice Smooth Driving

Smooth driving transcends mere technical skill; it reflects a driver's attentiveness to passenger comfort.?

Abrupt stops and jerky maneuvers can be unsettling when you do not control the wheel. As a passenger, I've learned the art of anticipatory driving, ensuring each ride is as smooth as a good conversation.?

I was in an Uber in Kuala Lumpur, heading to the airport to return to San Francisco.?

The driver was a young man, and he was driving way too fast. I was in the back seat, worrying about my safety. I told him I was not in any hurry. It didn't matter. He had it in his head that faster was better. I thought this when I started driving.?

After this ride, I knew better.??

The Impact of Driver Confidence and Competence

Confidence and competence from a driver provide passengers with a sense of security. Observing drivers handle unexpected situations with aplomb has taught me the importance of composed problem-solving.?

Passengers may not always notice the intricacies of navigation, but they can certainly feel the difference in a driver's confident handling of the roads.

The Impact of a Good Conversation

A good conversation can turn a mundane trip into a memorable journey. As a driver, striking the right balance between friendly chatter and respectful silence can be challenging.?

Being on the receiving end of both has honed my ability to read passengers' social cues and engage in a way that adds value to their experience. I know when I am in the hands of a good driver.?

They ask a question or two. They know whether I want to talk based on my responses.

The Impact of Understanding When a Passenger Does Not Want to Talk

Respecting a passenger's silence is as crucial as engaging in conversation. There are days when the car's quiet interior is the best service we can offer.?

I've learned to appreciate the non-verbal signals passengers give when they prefer silence, ensuring their ride is a haven of peace. I was in an Uber heading to the Sacramento airport.?

It's a half-hour drive. The driver could not shut up. He just kept on talking and talking. I could not have been a more reluctant participant. He did not read the signals. Blah, blah, blah. He ruined what could have been a nice trip.? ?

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Key Takeaways

Look at this image from the New York Times. There is an Uber in Paris. I took many Uber rides in Paris. From the passenger seat, I've gathered invaluable lessons that have enhanced my empathy and understanding as a driver.