"Riding Shotgun" Game

Yesterday, as I walked out of the house to get into my car, my 36-year-old son yelled "shotgun!" and sat in the front passenger seat - my seat. Although I did not find this especially funny, it did bring back memories of playing this game when I was a child and through my teens. It even brought back memories of my own children doing this while growing up and I was the head driver.

Riding "shotgun" is an historical event going back to the days of the old west and even as recently as the times of running "moonshine". The driver of the stagecoach or covered wagon had to concentrate on controlling the horses or mules and to pay attention as to where they had to travel on a road or trail. The person riding "shotgun" had the responsibility to safeguard the driver, passengers, and any merchandise from raiding robbers or Indians by the use of the shotgun or other firearm he carried.

The driver of a car running moonshine had the same responsibility to watch where he was driving and obey as many traffic laws as possible. The person in the front passenger side of the vehicle had the duty to safeguard the driver, passengers, and merchandise from harm and usually carried a weapon to enforce that safety.

Today, riding Shotgun is a universally accepted "game" for riding in a vehicle. There is even a book that outlines what can and cannot be done (see link below). Typically, the one who yells "shotgun" first, gets to ride in the front side passenger seat of the car and no one can take his or her place, providing the "rules" are followed. Yes, there are rules to this mostly meaningless game. These are my 10 rules that I believe are the most important ones, although people can make more rules if they are agreed upon by all everyone involved.

Allowed:

1.) The first rule is that everyone MUST agree that calling "shotgun" is allowed before any trip is being considered!

2.) The first person out of the door of any building or at the time of leaving a particular place is when "shotgun" must be called out loud enough that at least one person besides the driver hears the shout. Even if people have reached the car first and as long as their hand is not on the handle, the person who called "shotgun" has the right to the seat.

3.) If you are a distance away from the vehicle where it cannot be seen, "shotgun" cannot be called in advance. However, once it comes into view, "shotgun" may be called.

4.) If two people call "shotgun" at the same time, the tie may be broken by flipping a corn, pulling the short straw, or by any method that quickly guarantees only one winner. This means you cannot play Monopoly or Poker to decide who wins the shotgun position.

Not Allowed:

5.) Children, who are required to ride in the backseat in a child safety seat, cannot call "shotgun".

6.) If a person has already been seated in the front seat, "shotgun" cannot be called.

7.) If your hand is already on the door handle when someone calls "shotgun", it cannot be taken from you.

8.) The only time shotgun cannot be called whatsoever is if the people you are riding with have a significant other. A spouse or girl/boyfriend automatically has rights to the front seat position. No amount of calling "shotgun" will be honored and you CAN be denied transportation if you try to force the issue.

9.) If you have called "shotgun", you are then prohibited from calling it again for the next ride. Fairness dictates that each person should have a chance to ride in the coveted front seat position.

10.) You are not allowed to remain in the car versus participating in a family or friend event just to keep the shotgun position. This can lead to a lifetime ban.

Now that you know the rules of playing Shotgun, go ahead and make a bid for the front passenger seat. What my son forgot was the most important rule of all - rule #8. Not only was I the spouse of the driver, I was his MOTHER. Mother's always retain the rights to sit any place they desire in front or in the back of the car.

When I pointed my finger to the backseat, my son sheepishly agreed he had made a serious mistake. He quickly exited the car and helped me into the front seat position. Then he was graciously allowed by his mother to sit in the back seat on our weekly shopping trip to Wal-mart.

Sources:
Family Game
The Official Shotgun Rules