Avoid Conversation With Your Rideshare Driver - Female passenger texting in the car

Avoid Conversation With Your Rideshare Driver

Uber Accident Lawyer

It’s perfectly understandable to want some peace and quiet during your rideshare experience. However, it can be difficult to decline a driver’s attempts at conversation. Here are five polite ways you can tell your rideshare driver that you don’t want to chat. Whether you’re not in the mood or simply prefer your own company, these tips from an Uber accident lawyer with our friends at Norris Injury Law will help you make it clear that you don’t want to engage in conversation.

Say You’re Not Feeling Well

You can explain that you’re feeling under the weather and need to rest. Try to make it as realistic as possible. If you don’t want to talk too much, try to keep the conversation brief. For example, you can say “I’m sorry I’m not feeling well today so I won’t be able to chat.” You don’t have to provide any further explanation and your driver will understand why you don’t want to talk. Additionally, many drivers are understanding and may even offer you a bottle of water if they have it in their car. So if you feel comfortable accepting the offer, then do so. Overall, saying you’re not feeling well is a polite way of avoiding conversation with your rideshare driver.

Put in Your Headphones

Listening to music or podcasts is an easy way to avoid unwanted conversations with your rideshare driver. Headphones are a non-verbal way of communicating that you are not interested in having a conversation. Before you even get in the car, try to put your headphones in and make sure they are visible. If your driver tries to start up a conversation, don’t take out your headphones but instead remain focused on what you are listening to and point to your headphones. This will help signal to your driver that you’re not in the mood for chatting.

Act Like You’re Sleeping

Closing your eyes, leaning your head back, and appearing like you’re sleeping can be very convincing. If you’re feeling particularly clever, you can add a few subtle snores and other sleep sounds to really sell the effect. This way, you won’t have to risk any awkwardness by telling your driver directly that you don’t want to chat. Just be sure to open your eyes occasionally and make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

Tell Them You’re in a Hurry

If you want to get out of conversation without being rude, try telling your driver that you are in a hurry. Let them know that you are trying to get somewhere quickly, and don’t have the time for small talk. This is especially useful if you’re running late for an appointment or meeting. Try to be polite when you explain this, and make sure your body language communicates that you really are in a hurry. Most rideshare drivers are understanding and will respect your wishes and take the fastest route possible to your destination. If they keep pushing the conversation, be firm and remind them that you need to get somewhere quickly.

Be Honest

Being upfront and honest about your wishes can help to prevent any misunderstandings between you and your driver. It’s important to remember that this is your ride, so you are entitled to establish the terms of conversation. Be sure to be respectful and courteous when communicating with your driver, as there is no need to be rude in any situation. A simple “I’m sorry, I’m not really in the mood for a conversation” should be enough to get the message across.

While these tips might protect you from unwanted chitchat, they can’t protect you from an accident. If you get into a wreck, contact an Uber accident lawyer in your area for help immediately.