Revved Up With Itu Motoba
Do you find yourself pressing an imaginary brake when someone else is behind the wheel? Do you offer “helpful” driving tips no one actually asked for? Do you grip the door handle just a little too tightly, convinced your way is the right way? Do you secretly believe you’re the best driver in the world, and everyone else handles the road like blind mice?
If you answered yes to any of these, then darling… we need to talk. Don’t panic —you’re not alone. Backseat driving is one of the most common (and least admitted) bad habits on the road. And with the new year peeking around the corner, a little introspection never hurt anybody or any friendship.
Now, I’m usually the designated driver among my friends and family — not because I’m a control freak (well, not always), but because I genuinely enjoy driving. Long distance? Sign me up. Road trip at 2 a.m.? I’m there. But this puts me in a tricky position when I’m the one being driven. I become the silent sufferer — the one casually staring out the window while whispering prayers internally, because I know exactly how unbearable backseat drivers can be.
And the thing is, this habit isn’t just annoying…it’s actually dangerous. When you’re constantly correcting the driver, sighing dramatically, or offering commentary no one requested, the driver’s attention starts shifting away from the road and straight toward you — the human distraction. Suddenly, they’re not thinking about traffic, pedestrians, or potholes; they’re thinking about how not to get lectured. The calmest driver can turn into a nervous wreck if the person next to them keeps gasping like they’re on a roller coaster. One dramatic inhale from the passenger seat is enough to make even the most confident driver second-guess every move.
Even worse, when the driver glances over to defend themselves — just for that one second — that’s one second too long. We all know South African roads don’t play; a single second can mean the difference between cruising smoothly and becoming a statistic. And don’t get me started on those unnecessary “WATCH OUT!” moments when there’s absolutely nothing happening. Those can cause real accidents — sudden braking, swerving, panic moves — all because someone in the passenger seat decided to be the unofficial Road Safety Officer of the trip.
But beyond the danger, backseat driving slowly chips away at the relationship in the car. What should be a peaceful ride becomes a tense, silent hostage situation. Trust evaporates. A simple 10-minute drive turns into an emotional battleground. And ironically, the more you comment, the more the driver tunes you out — so when you do see something genuinely dangerous, they might not take you seriously. It’s the classic “cry-wolf” situation, but with airbags.
At its core, backseat driving is a little power struggle — two captains trying to control one steering wheel. And truly, nothing good comes from that. Cars already demand focus and attention; they don’t need extra drama from the co-pilot seat.
