As a UC Davis student with no car, I’ve been taking a lot of Uber and Lyft rides lately. From my observations, there are several types of drivers* you’ll encounter in Davis.
1. The Upcoming DJ
This person will tell you about his “fire” tracks and excitedly play you his remixes. Most of the time, it’s just two songs combined into one or a popular song playing over a different base line. It’s polite to smile and nod, but don’t let him convince you to stay in the car and listen to more music after you’ve already arrived at your destination.
2. The Flirt
This charmer will constantly make eye contact through the rear-view mirror and proceed to flirt throughout the whole ride. Upon arriving at your destination, he will ask for your number or to hang out.
3. The Storyteller
This individual has crazy stories about his life. He will talk non-stop about his adventures and even let you in on plans for future shenanigans.
4. The “I Hate This Job” Grump
This person is clearly not having a great day. He will make no attempt to talk to you and may have a case of road rage. As long as you don’t feel endangered, just endure the awkwardness until you can leave the negativity behind.
5. The Speech Giver
This driver talks a lot, but unlike the storyteller, he has a purpose in mind. He will rant about conspiracy theories or politics and assume you have just as much interest in the subject as he does.
6. The “Mom”/ “Dad”
This more elderly person acts like a parent. He asks about your day, chides you for not studying more, and offers you a water bottle and snacks. He will often tell you about his own children and make you feel right at home.
7. The UCD Student or Staff
Since you live in a college town, sometimes you will have a fellow student or sports coach as your driver. This is a nice opportunity to get to know someone you may run into on campus.
8. The Cologne/Perfume Enthusiast
As soon as you get into this person’s car, you’re immediately enveloped in the chemical scent. Sometimes it’s bearable, but other times you really need to roll the window down.
9. The Stoner
This person’s car smells like weed. If you ask about it, he will lie unless you say you don’t mind, in which case he will likely offer to smoke with you.
10. The Technologically Challenged
This older person fails to figure out how to use their GPS navigator and asks you to use your phone to guide him to your destination.
*Although there are female drivers, I generally use the term “he” because more than 85% of drivers are male.