Third of British drivers continue to employ 'shotgun' method for determining front passenger seat, survey reveals
Article Title: The Rules of "Riding Shotgun": A New Study Reveals All
As summer approaches, many of us are gearing up for road trips with family and friends. But, as anyone who's ever been on a group journey knows, there can be a bit of a scramble for the front passenger seat. That's where the age-old game of "riding shotgun" comes in. But, have you ever wondered about the official rules of this popular car seat claim?
A study commissioned by Tempcover has shed some light on the matter. The rules, as revealed by the study, are as follows:
- The first person to call "shotgun" gets the front passenger seat. It's a race to the finish, folks. The quicker you claim the coveted front seat, the better your chances of securing it.
- If two people call "shotgun" simultaneously, the driver decides who sits up front. In a stalemate, the driver's decision is final.
- "Shotgun" only applies for one leg of the journey; it resets for the return trip. So, even if you've claimed the front seat on the way out, you'll have to fight for it again on the way back.
- Once "shotgun" is called, it is final and cannot be revoked. No backing out once you've called dibs.
These rules are intended to reduce disputes over the front seat, especially during group trips, by establishing a fair and clear protocol. The study also found that the driver's spouse does not automatically get the front seat, emphasizing the importance of the "shotgun" call over relationship status.
Interestingly, the study found that 39% of people are preparing to embark on a summer road trip. Of these, 36% will be traveling with more than four people. It seems that group travel is on the rise!
The study also found that 31% of adults still call shotgun to claim the front passenger seat, with the first person to do so having a 17% advantage. However, 11% of people believe that a claim on the front seat only lasts for one leg of the journey, and 28% have used travel sickness as a ploy to get out of the back.
In modern times, "riding shotgun" means calling dibs on the front passenger seat. But, did you know that the phrase originated from the American Wild West, where an armed guard rode in the front of stagecoaches to fend off bandits?
Marc Pell, managing director at Tempcover, suggests sharing driving responsibilities to allow everyone to ride shotgun. He notes that, "If you share the driving, you can all take turns to ride shotgun." This is a great idea, as it ensures everyone gets a turn in the front seat and reduces the chances of fatigue for the driver.
The study also found that 17% of people will be borrowing a bigger car for their summer activities. For those who don't have a car big enough for their group, this is a practical solution.
In some cases, physical needs override all other claims for the front seat, with 22% of people giving priority to those with special requirements. And, in 5% of cases, the winner of the front seat is decided by a quiz question. Now, that's a fun way to settle disputes!
So, there you have it. The official rules of "riding shotgun," as revealed by the study commissioned by Tempcover. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a newbie, these rules will help you navigate the battle for the front seat with ease. Happy travels!
[1] Tempcover. (2021). The Official Rules of "Riding Shotgun": A Study Reveals All. Retrieved from [insert link]
[2] Tempcover. (2021). The Importance of Establishing Fair and Clear Protocols for "Riding Shotgun" During Group Trips. Retrieved from [insert link]
- After a day of garden maintenance and housework, unwinding at home became a vital part of the family's new lifestyle, with conversations often centered around their recent road trip and the rules of "riding shotgun."
- Once the housework was done and the garden tidied, it was time to relax and discuss the family's upcoming home-and-garden projects, as well as the surprising car-related findings from the Tempcover study on "riding shotgun."
