TÜV SÜD Tip: Avoiding arguments at the wheel ensures safer driving

TÜV SÜD Tip: Avoiding arguments at the wheel ensures safer driving

Arguments between passengers are bound to happen on many car trips, note traffic psychologists of TÜV SÜD Life Services. Arguing at the wheel, however, increases the risk of accidents. Experts give tips on how to get along safely and without stress when travelling by car.

Drivers are annoyed by wrong directions given by front-seat passengers, while the passengers in turn get the jitters at every overtaking manoeuvre. The mood at the wheel becomes tense and can often end in an all-out argument. In cars, crises escalate particularly fast as the confined space does not offer passengers the possibility to withdraw. "Additionally, drivers unconsciously translate the aggressions building up between passengers into "road rage". The risk of accidents increases", explains Dr Bernd Wiesner, TÜV SÜD Life Services. Managing to stay calm and avoid disputes is thus by far the safer option.

"An important step towards achieving this goal is to prevent misunderstandings and phrase statements objectively and clearly, to ensure the person you are talking to will not take your message the wrong way", advises the TÜV SÜD expert, addressing front-seat passengers in particular. One example: Drivers could mistake well-meaning remarks such as "Watch the speed!" or "Red traffic light ahead!", as criticism that they are driving too fast. The choice of words and the way they are emphasized may rapidly throw a completely different light on what are actually innocent statements. And drivers should not take the tips of their passengers as personal attacks. The following applies to all passengers: Never discuss difficult subjects that may trigger conflicts on a trip, clear them up either beforehand or afterwards.

A team, not a collection of fellow sufferers

The mood at the wheel is also critically influenced by how well the team of driver and "co-driver" works together. "The point is to cover the distance as a team", says Dr Bernd Wiesner. Many drivers would like more support from their co-drivers. These in turn, are often afraid of interfering with the driver's authority. TÜV SÜD's tip: Before setting out on a trip, discuss whether co-drivers should assist with navigation, tuning the radio or handling difficult traffic situations. You can also take the opportunity to discuss the route and agree on breaks or when to change drivers.

Incidentally: As soon as a good team has been forged out of the "fellow sufferers" in the car, driver and passengers also tend to get along better when the journey is over.

Editor: Mareike Lehnhardt