When you travel for business, everything you do reflects on the company and on you, so you must maintain a high level of professionalism and not conduct yourself in a way that tarnishes your company’s image or your own. As an example, a fellow passenger’s driving could be interpreted as a power grab, a deliberate attempt to undermine the driver. Another example: You will appear to be out of control if you show frustration during traffic jams or get angry at others’ poor driving skills. Never lose your temper or start using. If you do, you will come across as a person who folds under pressure. When you’re one of several passengers in a car, ask the driver where you should sit, especially if his is a junior seat.

The car owner drives unless he asks someone else to take responsibility. If a business travel companion offers to drive your car and you prefer not to, or want to use the time for a business task, hand over the keys and thank your travel companion. Otherwise, please politely decline citing a reason, such as company policy restrictions.

On business trips, good manners don’t require a man opening the car door for a woman. If he decides to do so, he opens the door on the curb side before going around the car to get in. The woman smiles and says “Thank you.” In a group situation, he gives the woman the seat of honor, on the rear passenger side. If two men and two women are traveling together and they all have the same rank, it could be considered patronizing for the women to sit in the back and the men in the front. A better scenario would be to mix the two genres for the sake of general conversation.

street rules

• Refrain from smoking in another person’s car and from smoking in your own car when driving with others.
• Show consideration when you park. Do not take up two spaces or park at an angle, thus making it difficult for the driver parking next to you to maneuver. Do not block entrances and entrances. Do not park in a space reserved for the disabled.
• Follow safe driving rules. Do not make cell phone calls or send text messages while driving. Respect speed limits, as well as signaling/lane change courtesies.
• If you’re old enough to drive, you’re old enough to be civil behind the wheel. Honking, making rude gestures, and interrupting people indicate immaturity and a lack of self-control.
• Return a borrowed car at the exact time promised. Return the car washed and without garbage with a full tank of gasoline. Follow up with a thank you note.
• If you hit a vacant parked car, leave a note on the windshield with your name and phone number, so you or your insurance company can cover the costs. Doing the right thing when no one is looking is a matter of character.