NL-Outsidethebox [confederation]

I've actually been meaning to post this for a while, ever since I made a trip to Boston with my Mother and Niece recently. I was just along for the ride and sat in the back but I kept telling my Mother about the shot gun rules mainly due to the rackets my kids always have over shot gun.

But shot gun doesn't come without some responsibility. Shot gun has to keep the driver awake ensure the stereo and heat are at an appropriate level as well as aid in observing the road and read a map. Basically do all of the trivial things so the driver can concentrate on the road and driving.

The whole trip which was almost a week I kept telling her about these responsibilities but she never quite got the shot gun thing. She always refered to her position as Wagon Master. I guess she wasn't happy with riding shot gun on just one wagon she wanted to be master of the whole wagon train :)

Anyway here is a great site to lay to rest the ins and outs of the Shot Gun rules.

Here is a little bit from the site. I would recommend printing these of to ensure happy trails on your summer vacation.

The Theory
The term "Shotgun" refers to the front passenger seat of an automobile. "Calling Shotgun" is the act of claiming the position of Shotgun for one's self. As this position is the most coveted of all positions when riding in a car, the following list of rules has been created to ensure that Shotgun can be acquired in a fair and equitable manner by any passenger of an automobile.


The History
The history of calling "Shotgun" goes back to the days of covered wagons and the Wild West. On a trip across the plains, the driver of a wagon would hold the reins of his horse team and concentrate on driving. This left him and the occupants of his wagon susceptible to sneak attacks from bandits and thieves. To avoid this atrocious circumstance it became necessary for one person to sit next to the driver with a shotgun and fend off the enemy.

Defending against bandits is no longer the priority of Shotgun however, but it has evolved into a pre-driving ritual that is experienced before almost every car ride across America and even the world. Because of the obvious evolution that has already occurred with Shotgun, we ask you to consider Shotgun as a living entity and be aware that it is always changing for the better good of society.

The Rules
The following rules have been created through many years of exploring the ritual of Shotgun and are designed with the idea of fairness to all as the main priority. They are also the most complete and comprehensive listing of Shotgun rules available today.


You Must Say The Word "Shotgun"
You must say the word "Shotgun" to stake your claim on Shotgun. This must be done clearly and loud enough so that at least one other to-be occupant of the vehicle can hear you. No variations of this word are acceptable. After you have rightfully called Shotgun, you have exclusive rights to Shotgun for that ride. However, if no one hears you call Shotgun it is still fair game for everyone.

I'll be printing these of and sending a copy to my Mother God bless her. Great trip one for the memory hole.