Illustration by Lengski
The driver had just finished checking your car’s engine, tires, and brakes. Food has been packed and bag of clothes resting comfortably in the back seat. Now, you’re all set for that 18-hour drive to the wilderness. Buckle up!
But before getting to your destination, hours would be spent in the car alone with your driver. It’s a scene you don’t want to see yourself in: Trapped in the car with a snob driver who couldn’t bother to give you a cursory glance and would answer your questions with a hum.
Here’s a better alternative: Your driver checks the vehicle for you before leaving for the trip, saving both of you hassle on the road. He knows basic mechanical skills so you feel more optimistic if, by any unfortunate event, you do encounter a problem later.
While you can’t expect every driver to be the most gorgeous… err… courteous and friendly, it couldn’t hurt to list down things you wish your driver would do or would know if only to make the long trip less dragging. Here are some of them:
1. Tells great stories. This is the easiest way to pass up time in a long trip. Listen when your driver starts talking about places he had been to; where he came from; how long he had been driving. The important thing is to talk with him and get acquainted with each other, but make sure not to distract him from driving carefully.
2. Speaks local language. He doesn’t have to be fluent, but knowing the dialect of the place you want to go to would make it easier for both of you to communicate with the locals and navigate your way across town.
3. Knows people in your place of destination. Meeting locals is as equally fun and exciting as enjoying the scenery. While nothing should stop you from randomly speaking with the locals, you’ll feel much safer talking to someone your driver knows. Maybe he can even ask his friend to set up a delicious lunch buffet for both of you.
4. Knows great tourist spots for photo ops. As they say, getting there is half the fun. Doubling as a tour guide, it pays to have your driver take you to breathtaking or historical places. While you’re at it, ask your driver to take your photos if you don’t have a tripod.
5. Brings CDs, books, and a deck of cards. Thank your driver for bringing his CDs should you lose signal of your favorite radio station. Borrow his portable DVD player and watch a movie if you get bored. If you’re up to reading in a moving vehicle, make use of the books or magazines he brought along with him. He can show you a trick or two with his deck of cards when you stop by a gasoline station to refuel.
6. Accommodates changes in schedule and route. Not to mean your driver would be at your total mercy, you’d wish he’d be accommodating enough should you decide to have a small detour which could throw your schedule off balance.
7. Stays awake, takes a break. It is almost inevitable during long trips that your driver might feel a bit sleepy. If this happens, hope that your driver knows when to pull over for a nap. Sometimes, getting out of the car to stretch does the trick. You can take a nap yourself or take a walk for a while until your driver gets enough rest.
8. Admits he got lost and asks for directions. You’d wish your driver left his ego at home so he does not act like he knows everything when he doesn’t, not wanting to admit he took a wrong turn at the last exit. This is where speaking the place’s local language comes in handy. If you think you’re not on the right track, ask for directions immediately.
9. Knows shortcuts. Cutting travel time an hour or two means having more time to enjoy the place of your destination. This also saves fuel which translates to more money for food and souvenirs.
10. Keeps eyes on the road, not on his cell phone. Wherever you go, texting while driving is a big no-no. You’d want to be in one piece when you reach your destination and back. So you’d wish your driver makes his calls and sends his text messages only during restroom breaks to avoid any untoward incidents.
Should you luck into a driver who knows what he’s doing, be thankful. Still, don’t let excitement overcome you that you forget to do your part.
Be of help by bringing a map or a compass and help your driver navigate in unfamiliar terrain. Hand him snacks to give him enough energy for the long trip. If you know how to drive, switch places with your driver once in a while so he could rest his eyes.
Plan accordingly. If you’re only going to be in the car for a few hours, you probably don’t need to bring your entire catalogue of Mariah Carey CDs.
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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Road Assistance Special Feature
March 19, 2008
Page B2-1
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