Have you ever ridden with someone who just makes you nervous? Maybe you have a friend who constantly turns around to talk to everyone in the car, and you do not think they pay enough attention to the road. Maybe you ride to work with a coworker who is always sending text messages, trying to get a jump on the work for the day even before you get to the office.
It’s scary. They hold your health — and possibly your very life — in their hands. It’s one thing to drive like this when they’re alone. While that’s still not a good idea because of the risk to pedestrians and other drivers, doing it with you in the car means that you are in danger for every mile of that ride.
What should you do? Speak up. Safety experts note that you should “never hesitate” to tell the driver to look at the road and keep their hands firmly on the steering wheel. Tell them to stop texting and to pay more attention.
Can it feel awkward? Certainly. But, if they get into an accident, you’re absolutely going to wish you had said something as you ride to the hospital in the back of the ambulance. In that moment, feeling awkward will seem well worth it to avoid life-changing injuries. Don’t wait for that moment. Speak up in advance and you may be able to prevent the accident entirely.
If the person you’re riding with does cause a crash for any reason, make sure you know if you have a right to financial compensation.
