[AllegraM]

Two of my friends and I have planned a girl's weekend camping trip. The spot is 4WD accessible only. Friend A was going to drive us in her 4WD but has just traded it in for a sedan. So Friend B has said she will take over driving duties in her ute.

No problem except Friend B is a terrible driver. She has poor vehicle control, is agressive towards other road users and is also a bit of a hoon. Friend A must be braver than me because while she acknowledges Friend B's driving deficincies, she says it is only an hour and we will both be extra pairs of eyes.

I have access to a 4WD and now want to drive myself. I have already invented a reason why I need to leave later so I can meet them there but they are both being painfully accommodating and want to wait for me.

I hate confrontation. Is there some miraculously clever way I can avoid driving with Friend B without saying, 'Hey. Your driving sucks and I am pregnant and don't want to risk my life and that of my unborn child by travelling with you".

I kinda know the answer but just thought I would put it out there..

[Leha]

I'm with you. I wouldn't be taking the risk either. Tell them you get really car sick (blame it on your pregnancy if you don't normally get carsick) and that you need to drive. I wouldn't think they could question that.

Edited to add -is it safe to go 4wd while pregnant. I know I wanted to go while I was pregnant with dd and was told it was unsafe. Not having a go just curious..

This post has been edited by Leha: 08/11/2012, 03:30 PM

[SeaPrincess]

I dont know, but I'm interested in replies. I won't get in the car with MIL, which is usually not an issue because she comes to us and we all only fit in my car. But one day she's going to want to drive the children.......

[shelly05]

Depending on where you live and when your trip is planned for you could look at doing a course with Galmatic. http://www.galmatic.com/ They are based in Syd but do run some courses out of Brisbane as well. Defensive driving and get to know your car workshops for Women.

Sorry edited to finish what I was typing... You could try and make it a group thing so you're not pointing fingers at her in particular...I probably still wouldn't get in the car with her though. If it was me and my friend I would do everything I could to encourage her to calm down on the roads. She sounds like an accident waiting to happen and I would hate that accident to include one of my family members. Scary stuff.

Enjoy your trip in any case, it sounds like fun.

This post has been edited by shelly05: 08/11/2012, 03:31 PM

[countrymel]

Now is the time to throw 50 years of feminism into your back room.

A cringingly old fashioned: "DP has banned me from travelling with you while I'm pregnant darling... because you are a bit of a hoon!"

Just underline how super paranoid he is about you and your baby's safety and that you feel you should respect his concerns.

[tothebeach]

How about: 'I'm a wimp and your driving scares me. I prefer Driving Miss Daisy pace, so will take my own car. Happy to drive you too.'

[bakesgirls]

Just tell them that you really want to drive. They can either come with you or they can meet you there.

[50ftqueenie]

I'm just shocked anyone would want to go camping when pregnant. You're a tougher woman than I!

Can you suggest your car will be more comfortable then her ute, therefore it's easier if you drive?

[*Lib*]

My husband is a terrible driver. So I ALWAYS drive! Easy. He's a drinker too, so its win win.

[halcyodays]

I was travelling with a group of friends (friends and friends of friends) and one of the friends of friends was a terrible driver and loved to drive. After several near death experiences, I told her that she drives like a hoon, so I'm going to drive from now on. She said "You are such a wuss, Fred" and handed over the keys and was perfectly happy to then sit in the back and make comments about my "overly cautious" driving. We had a ball!