Background - I've never learned how to drive. As a passenger, I know my place and I don't attempt to criticise or distract the driver. I am uneasy on motorways - used to be very scared years ago but mostly got over it. Then yesterday dh and I went to London. The weather was very changable - bright sunshine one minute, then driving rain, and I was nervous. It didn't help that I'm 21 weeks pregnant and so at least 3 weeks off viability if I was injured and went into premature labour.
So, as drivers, what is the best course of action if you see your passenger is afraid (though keeping it quiet) -
a) 'If you're that worried, I'll get off the motorway, even though it will take twice as long to get there.'
b) 'I'll be really careful and stick to the speed limit most of the time.'
c) 'Look at you, you're terrified! I'm a safe driver! No one does under 85! If you don't talk to me I'll doze off! I'm closing my eyes! I'm taking my hands off the wheel! Stop holding your seat! I'm doing 95 now and if you don't calm down we're going to crash!'
I would've said b) but then, I'm not a driver. What happened, obviously, was c).
Is a worried passenger really so insulting to a driver that it's reasonable to throw a tantrum while driving? He wasn't exaggerating about being tired, either. He went to sleep as soon as we got home in the middle of the afternoon, which he only does a couple of times a year. It seems to me even worse to drive at 85mph and over when you know you're tired than if you're feeling fine. What do other people think?
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AIBU?
Or is this both childish and dangerous?
35 replies
l39 · 08/06/2009 09:14
OP posts:
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