Rules for the Road

by Master Richard the Poor of Ely

As summer settles upon us, many Ostgardrians will be hitting the road
to go to events.  No doubt there will be people who will be looking for
or offering rides.  Here are some basic rules to make the journey go
more smoothly.

FOR THE DRIVER:

1.  Clean out your car.  You may not mind the empty soda cans in the
back seat, but your passenger most certainly will.  You need the extra
cargo space, anyway.  Consider your car an extension of your home.  If
your living space were that messy, would you want to have company
over?

2.  Make sure the car is in good shape for the trip.  Check the oil,
fill the gas tank, check the tire pressure, etc.  You've got somebody
depending on you--don't make someone else miss the event because of
your ineptitude.

3.  Call your passengers when you are leaving your home.  This is a
simple courtesy.  Give them a little warning, so you don't have to hang
around while they do their last minute things (like go to the
bathroom).


FOR THE PASSENGER:

1.  Travel light.  Your driver is not UPS or a bellhop.  Don't ask them
to haul cargo for you.  If you have too much stuff to carry yourself,
find something you can leave behind.  If it's a camping event, at least
let them know what you will be bringing so space can be made for it.

2.  Offer to pay for some travel expenses.Fill the gas tank, cover the
tolls, etc.  Your driver is doing you a favor by bringing you to an
event you might not otherwise get to.  If you were driving, renting a
car, or even hiring a taxi, you'd have to pay those costs yourself.
You should definitely make an offer if your driver is going out of his
(or her) way to get you.

3.  Offer to meet them halfway.  Maybe you can get to their place
easily, or there's a train station that they can pick you up at which
would shorten their travel.  Again, they are doing you a favor.  Don't
be a burden to them.


FOR BOTH:

1.  Verify the arrangements a day or two before.  Make sure you both
know when and where you will be meeting, and how you will get home.
This also lets you make any last minute changes, if necessary.

2.  Don't run errands.  Visit the ATM and the post office before the
trip begins.  Once you are all together and on your way, there should
be nothing to do other than drive to the event.

3.  BE ON  TIME!  It is extremely impolite to make someone wait when
you have given your word that you will be there and ready at a certain
time.  And if the driver calls when he leaves, you have no excuse for
not being ready.


from the July 1997 Seahorse