There is something to be said for good manners, even as the rules of social behavior apply to a drive-thru. Be it the local dry cleaner, the bank, a drugstore, the bakery, or a fast-food restaurant, a little consideration goes a long way for the company employees and for other drivers waiting in line.

Worst Customers in a Drive-Thru

Most everyone has held up a drive-thru line at one time or another, but there are some people that just don't get it where common courtesy is concerned. Habitual offenders make waiting rough for those at the back of the line.

  • The Fast-Food Cell Phone Operator. The employee at the drive-thru window can't get a word in edgewise because the customer is engaged in a cell phone conversation. Worse yet is the person at the fast-food speaker box who is holding up everyone behind him because he's calling home to find out what everyone wants for dinner.
  • The Bank Customer Who Can't Count. Quite often there is a sign above the drive-thru lanes that limits each customer to two transactions. It does not mean the customer can slip in a few extra transactions for good measure.
  • The Negligent Bank Customer. This banker forgot to fill out all the paperwork beforehand and thus is holding up everyone while he fills out a deposit slip, signs his check and so forth.
  • The Dry Cleaner On the Spot Checker. If one finds it necessary to meticulously check each individual article in the dozen or so clothing items she's just picked up, then one should park the car and go inside. Fight with the plastic bags and check the garments elsewhere instead of holding up the line.
  • The Drug Store Shopper. Nothing is more irritating to those waiting in a drive-thru line than the customer who does his (or her) shopping at the prescription pick-up window. Milk, cat food, and paper towels are not stocked at the prescription counter.
  • The Party Planner. Chances are, if a patron goes to a restaurant drive-thru and orders food for twenty people, then he's going to hold up the line. This can be remedied by simply ordering ahead.
  • The Designated Driver. This is the person who leaves work at noon with a list of separate lunch orders for four or five (or more) fellow workers. Again, calling ahead will cut the waiting time for everyone, including those on a limited lunch break.

Fast-food customers with exceptionally large orders are often asked to pull into a nearby parking space so that others in line can continue. An employee will deliver the order to the waiting customer.