I learned the importance of choosing a good co-pilot during my first road trip, when I was driving with two other people, neither of whom could read a map. We ended up in a seedy part of a city, driving around, thinking, "Damn, I hope we don't get shot." This situation should be avoided at all costs.
The co-pilot has four basic duties. First, he/she must select and change CDs. Second, the co-pilot must read maps, and plot routes and distances to the destination or next stop. The pilot and co-pilot must function as an effective decision making unit to decide when to drive, when to eat, when to take breaks, get gas, etc. The co-pilot must retrieve information on distances and towns up ahead so that the pilot may make good decisions concerning where to get gas, food, etc. The third duty of a co-pilot is to check traffic when driving in a large city. Big city driving is fun, but requires split-second decisions. The co-pilot must know the driving style of the pilot in order to determine where he/she wants to go, and constantly evaluate the traffic structure in that direction. For example, while driving in Chicago, a friend and respected co-pilot, Clif, knows exactly what I want. When I want to change lanes, he anticipates my decision, checks the traffic behind me, and calls, "You're clear." Or maybe we just whizzed by 4 cars and I have to crank the wheel hard to make an upcoming exit 3 lanes over, so he'll check and call, "You're good for all 3 lanes." But the most important duty of a co-pilot is to keep the pilot awake. He/she accomplishes this by talking to the pilot, changing CDs, and monitoring the alertness of the pilot. A good pilot and co-pilot make an efficient and effective driving team.
