There’s nothing better than hitting the open road for a solo drive. You get to pick the tunes and the route. It’s pure freedom. But is driving alone safe? There are actually some advantages to having another person in the car with you. So, the question really is, which is safer: driving alone or with a passenger? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons for each side so you can be fully informed before you get behind the wheel.
What are the pros of driving alone?
You aren’t distracted by conversation
When you drive alone, you can completely control your surroundings. You don’t have to listen to someone else talk or get distracted by talking with them. You can devote your full attention to the road.
You’re more likely to hear important things
When you’re not engaged in a conversation with a passenger, you’re more likely to hear crucial sounds such as a siren or a honking horn.
You can choose the destination, route, radio station, etc.
Being alone means you can determine everything about the trip – from the route you take to the music you listen to. Basically, you don’t have to consider anyone else’s preferences when you’re driving, which can sometimes make for a more pleasant driving experience.
What are the cons of driving alone?
You might not see cars in your blind spots
When you’re driving, you might not notice other cars outside your range of view. A passenger can tip you off to cars that might be in your blind spots before you try to switch lanes.
It’s not safe to look at your phone for GPS
It’s dangerous to look at your phone while you’re driving. If you have someone in your car, they can look at your phone to help with driving directions or searching for a place to stop for gas.
If you’re in an accident, you have to face things alone
If you’re in an accident, you don’t have anyone to lean on for support or to help you exchange insurance information with the other driver. You’ll have to rely on yourself to take care of things during a stressful time.
If you have a medical emergency, you don’t have someone with you to call for help
If you experience a medical emergency, you won’t have someone who can call 911 for you. This can be really dangerous if you’re unable to call for help yourself.
What are the pros of driving with a passenger?
So, how do passengers affect driving? There are a lot of factors at play and these can change depending on who your passenger is or what type of drive you’re taking.
They can offer you a wider view around the vehicle
A passenger can help see in your blind spots so they can tell you if other cars are too close to you when you want to switch lanes.
They can help with directions or answer your cell phone
Someone riding with you can help look at GPS on your phone or answer calls or text messages for you, so that you can stay focused on the road.
They can alert you if you’re feeling sleepy
Sometimes you might not even be totally aware of when you’re feeling drowsy. A passenger in your car can keep tabs on how alert you seem and can let you know if they’re concerned with you continuing to drive.
They can offer support in an accident
Having someone by your side in the moments after an accident can be really comforting. They can provide support and help you exchange insurance information with another driver. They can also check to see if anyone needs medical assistance.
They can call for help in an emergency
Most importantly, a passenger can call for help if anyone needs it (in case of an accident, flat tire, dead battery, etc.).
What are the cons of driving with a passenger?
They can distract you during a conversation or by talking on the phone
Sometimes other people can be the ultimate distraction by engaging in conversation with you or by talking on their phone. It can be hard to concentrate on driving if someone is being too loud next to you.
They might not want to make the same stops as you
With a passenger, you’ll have to take all sorts of things into consideration (their music choice, the route they want to take, when and where they want to stop, etc.). Having a passenger takes away some of your driving freedom.
Want to know how to be safe when driving alone or with someone in your car? Here are a few safety tips for driving with passengers or driving solo:
- Set up your route on GPS before you leave so you don’t have to look at it while you’re driving.
- Get blind spot mirrors or a car with automated sensors to avoid accidents.
- Always have your phone fully charged in case of an emergency.
- Have AAA or other roadside assistance coverage.
- Carry an emergency kit (with a flashlight and other essentials) in your trunk.
- Take a passenger with you on long car rides so you can switch drivers if you’re tired.
The most important thing to remember is to determine for yourself what you need to do to be the very safest driver you can be. Stick to these boundaries (even if someone asks for a ride), so that you can be sure you can safely operate your car every time you hit the road.
Featured image by David Emrich on Unsplash