Road trips have been and will always continue to be a very necessary part of life. Although road trips come in many different shapes, forms and sizes, in my opinion the best road trips require at least one friend to tag along. In these cases it isn't just the driver who has responsibilities. Even though he/she is responsible for the destination and overall survival of the group, the proud member who called “shotgun!” is not exempt from his/her own responsibilities.

As shotgun rider the responsibilities are almost equally as important as the driver because he/she is in charge of how enjoyable the road trip will be. Long road trips are not ideal for the driver to be in charge of the music, so the shotgun rider has to take over and make sure to keep the music selection enjoyable at all times. They are also responsible for finding “munch stops” when the group gets hungry, and being on cop watch. No one likes driving past a police car on the highway, whether they are doing something wrong or not there is always that ominous fear that you'll be pulled over for doing something right. Since it is just not an enjoyable experience, being given a heads up that there is a police car in the area just makes everyone less prone to doing something stupid.

Shotgun riders also keep everyone alive by keeping the driver awake, and the conversation going. If you are going to sleep during a road trip then the backseat is the place to go. Other small responsibilities of the shotgun rider include, but are not limited to: helping pump gas, helping the driver unwrap and prepare his meals in case he has to eat and drive, help with parking (whether it is finding a spot or looking around) and helping the driver station the car and last, but most definitely not least, texting for the driver. If a shotgun rider sees the driver texting during the road trip, then it is an unspoken rule of the universe that he or she must take the phone and type whatever it is the driver wants to send. Do not repeat it to anyone, after all confidentiality is key. In the rare case that the driver is unable to continue on with driving it is the responsibility of the shotgun rider to take over.

Now the rules of calling shotgun are simple. Once the car is in sight of all of the passengers, the first one to call out "shotgun" gets to ride in the passenger. By calling out that word you are agreeing to all of the responsibilities, terms and conditions of the position. In case of a tie, it will be resolved by either rock-paper-scissors or if the driver of the car has probable cause to put one rider on shotgun above another. Although the rules are simple the line between rule breaking and following is easy to cross, and these are the only things that separate us from savages. So they must be followed to the letter. There are a few exceptions to calling shotgun, for example if the romantic partner of the driver is present then he or she by default gets to ride shotgun. People of importance like, the driver’s parents, grandparents or the president also get default shotgun rights. Now that is all you must know of riding shotgun, and long live shotgun riders.