You love your spouse, but when the two of you get into the car, can tension run so high that you wish you had taken separate vehicles? Did you notice these tensions before getting married, or have they developed over the years?
No matter if you're driving with your spouse to work every day, or embarking on a week-long road trip, here are some suggestions and safe driving tips for everyone in the car to keep in mind:
* Nobody likes to get lost, but even with maps and GPS, it can happen. You may need to sit down together and delegate direction responsibility. For example, maybe the driver has final say on which route to take. Also, when on the road, if you do determine you're lost, who will ask for directions - the driver or the passenger? This may be a case where the person looking at the map should get the information, since he or she will be more familiar with road names on the map.
* You most likely know your spouse's driving style, and have shared your regular concerns about behaviors like tailgating, not using a turn signal, over-using the horn, etc. But if your spouse's driving behaviors are unusual during a trip, it may be because something is upsetting him - and it's reflecting in his driving. Without mentioning the driving behavior, see if you can encourage your spouse to discuss what is bothering him. By getting the annoyance out into the open, it might help to bring the driver's attention back to driving safely.
* As a passenger, giving a warning gasp when you notice something potentially threatening on the road may be one of the behaviors that annoys your spouse. And yes, it's hard to control impulsive reactions. As the driver, a warning gasp might help alert you to something you can't see so you can make defensive moves to avoid it. But it can also cause a distraction, which may lead to an accident. As the passenger, if you notice you are a "warning gasper," see if you can't control your reactions (tone of voice, flailing arms, pumping the imaginary brake, etc.) and calm them down so you can help alert the driver to a potential issue. And if you do end up reacting with a little too much excitement, it may help the situation to immediately apologize to the driver because it shows you recognize that you may have caused another distraction.
* Being prepared for unexpected situations might help as well. For example, having good automobile insurance and signing up for a roadside assistance plan can help provide additional protection if you were to be involved in a crash or your car broke down while on a trip.
The goal is for you and your spouse to arrive safely at your destination, preferably in good humor as well. Practicing good safe driving tips can help, as well as keeping in mind your spouse's driving preferences.
No matter if you're driving with your spouse to work every day, or embarking on a week-long road trip, here are some suggestions and safe driving tips for everyone in the car to keep in mind:
* You most likely know your spouse's driving style, and have shared your regular concerns about behaviors like tailgating, not using a turn signal, over-using the horn, etc. But if your spouse's driving behaviors are unusual during a trip, it may be because something is upsetting him - and it's reflecting in his driving. Without mentioning the driving behavior, see if you can encourage your spouse to discuss what is bothering him. By getting the annoyance out into the open, it might help to bring the driver's attention back to driving safely.
* As a passenger, giving a warning gasp when you notice something potentially threatening on the road may be one of the behaviors that annoys your spouse. And yes, it's hard to control impulsive reactions. As the driver, a warning gasp might help alert you to something you can't see so you can make defensive moves to avoid it. But it can also cause a distraction, which may lead to an accident. As the passenger, if you notice you are a "warning gasper," see if you can't control your reactions (tone of voice, flailing arms, pumping the imaginary brake, etc.) and calm them down so you can help alert the driver to a potential issue. And if you do end up reacting with a little too much excitement, it may help the situation to immediately apologize to the driver because it shows you recognize that you may have caused another distraction.
* Being prepared for unexpected situations might help as well. For example, having good automobile insurance and signing up for a roadside assistance plan can help provide additional protection if you were to be involved in a crash or your car broke down while on a trip.
The goal is for you and your spouse to arrive safely at your destination, preferably in good humor as well. Practicing good safe driving tips can help, as well as keeping in mind your spouse's driving preferences.
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