Car sharing is growing in popularity but if you’re unlucky you could end up giving a lift to one of the ten types of car passenger from hell.
An increase in environmental concerns combined with motorists trying to save money on fuel means more of us are sharing car journeys with friends and workmates.
The car share trend has even been celebrated on TV in the hilarious Peter Kay sitcom of the same name.
But long car journeys can be agony for drivers – particularly if they’re stuck sitting alongside one of the ten passengers from hell.
Motoring experts from car leasing giant LeaseCar believe annoying passengers to be one of the major distractions drivers must put up with on long journeys.
The firm spoke to their customers and came up with ten categories of passengers from hell which they believe covers most annoying car sharers.
The annoying passengers who drivers will endure include the nervous backseat driver and the know it all human satnav.
Tim Alcock of LeaseCar says: “Car sharing has become more popular as many people grow increasingly aware of environmental concerns. It’s also popular with those trying to save their hard-earned cash, especially at this time of year, after the excesses of Christmas.
“But sharing a car, particularly with someone you don’t know very well, can be challenging. Passengers can make or break a journey. Long trips and conflicting personalities aren’t a good mix and can make for an intense situation, so it’s best to plan ahead and prepare accordingly.
“Before you agree to a car share arrangement with a friend or colleague have a hard look at the ten categories of passenger from hell and make sure you don’t get stuck alongside one in a tiny space for hours.”
Here are all 10 types of passenger that most drivers will be forced to share a car journey with:
1. The Chatterbox
It takes a patient soul to take a chatterbox on a long drive. They ask you questions when you need to concentrate on the road, talk over your favourite song and generally fill time and space with their incessant chatter. But there are perks of having a chatterbox on board, they can be entertaining and they generally make the time pass quicker. Either that or the length of the journey seems to be the least of your frustrations.
2. The Sleepy Head
A low maintenance passenger, the sleepyhead is a quiet, hassle free subject who simply whisks off to the land of nod once the engine starts. No talking is great for some peace and quiet, however you may begin to feel jealous as you watch them sleep blissfully while you navigate tailbacks and road works. And if they start snoring it can be so much worse.
3. The Backseat Driver
Try to avoid giving the backseat driver a lift if possible. If you can’t avoid it then lay down the law from the start. Explain that you are in control of the car at all times and know the route to set their mind at ease. It won’t stop them from wincing or putting their foot down on the invisible brake before you do, but appeasing them will make for an easier ride.
4. The Popstar
They know the words to every song on the radio and they want to shine, so either join in or let them get on with it. Just think, the sooner they tire themselves out singing the sooner they’ll stop.
5. The Nauseous one
They climb gingerly into the car clutching travel sickness pills and it’s best if they dose up before buckling up to avoid a scene from the exorcist. Keep some paper bags in the front and keep plenty of travel sweets to occupy them – you may be visiting the services if it’s a long one.
6. The Human Satnav
No matter what the in-car nav says, this person always knows a quicker more optimised route that you can take, often leading you astray into quiet cul-de-sacs and undesirable backroads for the purpose of saving precious time. Be strong and ignore their advice, after all you are driving the car.
7. The Weak Bladder
Just accept that the trip will be broken up into various sections with interludes spent at service stations waiting for this person to relieve themselves.
8. The Smelly One
Invest in plenty of air freshener before this journey and keep the window open under the guise of it being a little stuffy – you can say the fresh air helps your ‘nausea’.
9. The Traffic Reporter
You probably don’t know this person very well, so they don’t have a lot to talk about except the traffic. Best just to be polite and nod and agree.
10. The Too Hot Too Cold
This passenger is forever fiddling with the air con, opening and closing windows and loosening and tightening their clothing. They can be a real distraction and are forever moaning about the temperature. If you’re lucky they’ll fall asleep eventually and you can turn the air con up again.
