4. Responsibilities of Riding Shotgun
Calling Shotgun may seem like fun and games, but just like in the days of covered wagons, there are serious responsibilities that come with the sacred privilege of occupying this seat. Although Shotgun riders typically no longer carry real shotguns (except On Base), it is still their responsibility to help protect the other passengers from harm. The following duties are executed or assigned by the Shotgunner. Failure to fulfill these duties may result in loss of Shotgun privileges. The Driver of the vehicle may remove a Shotgunner who does not fulfill their responsibilities listed here.
4.1 The Sentinel
Shotgunners are required to remain aware and alert to surrounding traffic and to warn the driver if he spots danger or a potential accident. This is especially important when there are many people in the car, which can cause the driver to become easily distracted. MORE…
4.2 The Navigator
Shotgun riders are responsible for navigation to the destination. This responsibility includes reading the map, driving directions on Google Maps or Apple Maps (good luck with that), watching for exits, and operating the GPS. Poor navigation by the Shotgun rider will result in loss of Shotgun privileges. MORE…
4.3 No-Doze
In cases of long journeys, Shotgun riders must keep the driver awake. This means that the Shotgun rider must not sleep either. If sleep is needed, the Shotgun rider must move to the back and let someone else take over Shotgun. MORE…
When patronizing a fast food drive-thru, the Shotgun rider must proactively unwrap and prepare the driver’s food so that it can be eaten with minimal driving distraction. In cases of heavy traffic, it might even be necessary to hand feed french fries or hot churros to the driver. After engaging in this potentially emasculating behavior, however, the Shotgun rider will probably not let the driver order french fries or churros ever again. MORE…
4.5 Text by Proxy
If the Shotgun rider sees the driver texting and driving, he must scold the driver, take the cell phone away, and assume texting responsibilities. Drivers can only text by proxy through the Shotgun rider. By extension this includes looking up information on the Internet by cell phone or other connected device, like movie times, parking spaces, navigation, Yelp Reviews, etc. MORE…
The Shotgunner is responsible for controlling music selection and volume and he is expected to be conscientious of the other riders preferences. Just as the driver may not institute a Shotgun Dictatorship, the Shotgunner may not exercise a music dictatorship.
Remember, just like in any great movie, you are setting the tunes for how your trip will be remembered. Will it be Mozart, Tool, Paramore, a Michael Bay instrumental or a Pharrell Williams “Happy” jam?
4.7 The Maitre D’
When riding in a 2 or 3 door car with a back seat, it is the responsibility of the shotgun rider to allow rear passengers in and out of the back of the car. This is not the drivers responsibility, Regardless of the weather conditions! MORE…
4.8 The Gatekeeper
As shotgunner, you are responsible for opening and closing all manual vehicle gates to any areas your party may travel in while shotgun is in your control. When exiting the vehicle to open and close a gate you retain… MORE…
4.9 PokéThis – Pokémon Go By Proxy
Driving and playing Pokemon Go is strictly prohibited. These rules will allow you to safely and efficiently track down and enslave all of your favorite Pokemon. MORE…