Taxi Front Seat

Ever notice how the front seat (shotgun seat) of a taxi is a non-conversational position? In a group of 3-4 people the person sitting in the front has been placed in the penalty box. First, they're required to twist around in order to participate in any conversation with the rest of the group. Usually, there's a plastic partition, making it practically impossible. Most cab drivers hate it when someone sits up front, and they are forced to move some of their junk out of the way. The only benefit to the position is when the cab driver gets completely lost this person can get everyone back on track.