This month’s tips cover several important areas that affect your livelihood and health.
Passenger Relations
- Obtain advanced knowledge of your destination and discuss it with your passengers.
- Be diplomatic in representing yourself and your base or management company.
- Avoid controversy.
- Never argue with a passenger. They are your temporary employers.
- Always be polite: Say “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” whenever it’s appropriate.
- Ask permission before adjusting the vehicle’s temperature or playing the radio.
- Let the passenger choose the topic of conversation. Respect a passenger’s right not to have one.
- Learn to listen and listen to learn.
- During “difficult” situations, always behave professionally, be tactful, and if need be, let passengers vent without getting defensive or upset. Apologize when necessary.
- COVID-19: Follow Covid-19 protocols by wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands, maintaining safe social distancing, getting tested and keeping your car sanitized.
Road Rage
- Road Rage incidents increase as warmer weather approaches and traffic increases.
- You can help avoid road rage by keeping your vehicle cool and your body hydrated with plenty of water.
- If you are a target of road rage always apologize so the incident doesn’t escalate into violence.
- Do not leave your vehicle to respond to a motorist who is enraged or angry, regardless of the situation
- Road rage confrontations can ultimately result in preventable accidents and violent confrontations which could injure drivers and or pedestrians.
- Professional drivers engaging in unprofessional conduct will likely be judged harshly by law enforcement, regulatory agencies, their employers, peers and the general public, creating a negative image of the industry that none of us wants to see at this point.
Proper Driving Posture
- The way you sit and hold the steering wheel affects your driving. Good posture can help you stay alert and in full control of your vehicle.
- Sit with your back straight, upright, and relaxed against the seat.
- Move your seat close enough so you can easily reach the pedals but far enough away that your elbows are in front of you when holding the steering wheel.
- Keep both feet within reach of the floor controls.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
