By now, if you had planned to go out of town for Undas, you’re already at your chosen destination. The drive to get to where you are now likely wasn’t as pleasurable as it usually is any other time of the year. It’s difficult to enjoy rare long vacations like these when it feels like the entire city you’re escaping from is also coming with you.No doubt, traffic was heavy, and the pace much slower. Nonetheless, you’ve arrived. It’s certainly clear the drive back will not be easy either.

While there is some heavy burdens put on drivers, I’ve found that the best way to enjoy drives like this, in spite of the traffic and peak tourist season, is to divide the in-car duties.

Chances are, most of the passengers believe that there’s nothing obligated of them during the drive, other than to sit in the car, and possibly sleep. However, to ensure the drive is safe, and the driver is kept alert, it’s actually quite a good practice to involve all of the car passengers by assigning them a task.

Naturally, the driver’s duty is to simply drive. To ensure he / she stays awake and alert, it’s always better to delegate some other usual aspects of driving to the front passenger.

For example, some of the navigating can be taken on by the front passenger. This means having the destination plotted on their phone (if the driver is unfamiliar with the route), and calling out upcoming turns if needed.

If the driver is already familiar with the destination, then the front passenger can fall back on other duties like managing the in-car entertainment, climate officer, or also serving as chief communication officer (texting, calling, car selfie taking).

Speaking of communication, it is also the front passenger’s duty to ensure devices of the passengers are charged. After all, the power socket, USB ports, or sometimes wireless chargers are typically located here. It’s only natural that the front passenger be responsible over phone charging, rotation of phones, and ensuring the charging cables are tidy and do not get in the way of the driver.

Also located in the front console is usually the climate controls. To free up the driver of even more distractions, it’s best if the front passenger assumes this duty. This involves being familiar with how to adjust the temperature, blower speed, setting per zone if available, and switching between regular and recirculate modes. So familiarizing oneself with the controls is prudent.

While it’s not a crime, it’s usually expected of the front passenger to also stay awake during the trip. After all, it’s his or her duty to monitor the driver for signs of fatigue and take over or call for a drive change when needed. If the front passenger wants to sleep, it’s best to switch to a rear passenger who can stay awake with the driver.

Passengers in the back can enjoy the best perk of all during a road trip: sleeping. However, if they wish to play an active part during the drive, it’s always appreciated.

Passengers in these seats are typically expected to be the snack distributors. This means serving as the steward of snacks and drinks, taking inventory, and passing them on to the driver and front passenger when requested.

These days, with Apple Carplay or Android Auto now present in most cars (with some even boasting of wireless functionality), it might be more prudent to assign music selection/DJ duties to a rear passenger (especially the one in the center). After all, it’s the best place to see the infotainment screen and the perk should make up for what is usually the tightest and most uncomfortable seat in a car.

Of course, the back seat passengers also serve an important role as onboard wellness officers. Put simply, they alert those in front when a bathroom break is needed. It then falls upon the front passenger to determine the next feasible relief stop and relay directions to the driver.

If many of the duties are assumed by the driver and front passenger, then there is no other activity expected of the rear passenger than to sleep.

Finally, remember to rotate these roles among the passengers who are able to at every stop. Change drivers, navigators, and passenger princesses. This gets all onboard a chance to play an active role in the journey, and make the trip much more enjoyable for all.