Back seat drivers used to bother me before I started driving professionally 10 years ago. They don’t bother me anymore. Now I just smile when they start barking commands from the back seat.
My Routine
Before I even meet one of my passengers, I carefully plan our route, highlighting major roads. I also listen to traffic reports on 880 and 1010 news radio, to be aware of accidents, construction and road closures.
When I meet my passenger, I explain my chosen route to them. I also tell them how long the journey is expected to take and how many miles it is to the destination. Many of my passengers like this approach; some just tell me to get there the fastest way possible.
Regular Reactions
When I pick up most of my passengers, they don’t really care how we get to our destinations – although, as we get closer to their home, they sometimes start to chime in.
Crazy Wazers
Every now and then a passenger will do something that drives me crazy. They will turn on the Waze travel app on their phone and raise the volume so I can hear it. I don’t know why they do this… maybe to keep me in check? Or, maybe it calms them down. In either case, I no longer let it bother me.
Nosy Nancy
In early June, I was driving a passenger from Hoboken to Newark Airport. I usually take roads that do not charge tolls when I have no one in the back seat. I knew the fastest route to get my female passenger to Newark Airport.
She said to me: “You missed your turn” when the Waze map advised me to take Route 1-9 South. I explained that I was going to take the NJ Turnpike to Newark Airport, because it was 5 minutes faster than taking the non-toll State Route 1-9.
She then asked me: “Why do you have the map on if you’re not going to follow it?” I told her I keep the maps on to alert me to accidents, construction and other traffic conditions. She seemed to be satisfied with my reply and was quiet for the rest of our journey together.
Annoying Andy
In July, I was driving a male passenger and his wife to Newark Airport from Bergen County, NJ. He proudly proclaimed that he is a back seat driver. I told him that many times it is valuable to have a “local expert” in the back seat telling me which roads to take. He agreed.
He then told me each road he wanted me to take to get him to the airport. I did not argue with him; I thanked him for sharing his wisdom, although we arrived at Newark five minutes later than if we had taken the route I recommended.
I didn’t matter; the passenger was happy, and he thought he helped a hapless limo driver find his way to Newark Airport.
The moral of this Street Story is to welcome back seat drivers. They may seem annoying at first, but they are your PAYING customer. If you have a good attitude, welcome their comments and even thank them for their back seat advice… you just might get a tip or have them request you in the future.
Remember: The Customer is Always Right, even if their driving directions get you to their destination later than your directions!
