Getting older doesn’t mean you have to hang up the keys and call it a day, but it does mean paying a bit more attention to how you handle yourself on the road. With a few changes to your driving habits, you can keep on riding safely and confidently. Here are 18 common driving mistakes older drivers make and how to avoid them.
Skimping on Those Eye Checks
Eye health is a big deal when you’re behind the wheel, so whatever you do, don’t forget about visits to the eye doctor. If you’re squinting to read signs or the dashboard, that’s a sign you need to get your eyes checked. Regular check-ups will keep your vision sharp and your driving top-notch.
Not Updating Those Specs
Driving with an outdated prescription can blur things, and it’s often worse than driving without them. Don’t settle for an “okay” vision when a quick trip to your optometrist could sharpen things up. Keeping your specs current will make every drive safer because you’ll spot everything on or near the roads easily.
Missing Out on Car Adjustments
Our cars need to fit us just right, whether that’s with the mirrors or seat positions, so you should adjust these settings for the best visibility and control. Adjusting your mirrors correctly will help you avoid blind spots and mean you see the road and other vehicles clearly. Meanwhile, adjusting the seat will put you in the right position to reach the pedals and steer.
Avoiding New Car Tech
Modern cars have plenty of technology that’s more than just fancy add-ons, as they could save your life. Reverse cameras and lane assist aren’t just for young people; they help you see what’s behind you without craning your neck. They’ll also keep you safely in your lane when you might not notice you’re drifting, so using these features makes everything much easier.
Driving During Rush Hour
Why put yourself through the ordeal of rush hour if you don’t have to? Timing your trips for quieter hours can make things a lot easier, as it’ll reduce stress and the risk of accidents. Roads clear of traffic jams will give you a smooth ride all the way to your final destination.
Ignoring Medication Labels
Those tiny labels on your medication bottles are important because some meds can cause drowsiness or delay your reactions. This is pretty dangerous when you’re behind the wheel, so you should always speak with your doctor about how your prescriptions could affect your driving. They might suggest timing your doses or even changing them to keep you safe on the road.
Not Adjusting for Slower Reflexes
As we age, it’s normal for our reflexes to become a bit slower, meaning you should acknowledge this change if you want safer driving. For example, you might leave more space between you and the car in front or choose routes with less hectic traffic. These small changes will ensure your driving habits match your current capabilities.
Forgetting Turn Signals
Weirdly, so many people ignore their turn signals, but don’t let that be you. When you don’t tell other drivers where you’re going, you will end up in a fender bender or even worse. Make sure you let other people know what you’re doing, whether that’s turning or switching lanes, by making sure that the signal is flashing.
Misjudging Stop Distances
If everything seems to happen faster than it used to, you might need to start braking earlier. Give yourself more room to stop, particularly in high-traffic areas, to keep yourself and other drivers safe. It’s a pretty easy change that helps everyone on the road, so make sure you adjust your stopping distance accordingly.
Letting That License Expire
Keeping your driving license up to date is a must, as it’s not just a minor oversight. Not updating your license means you might not be aware of new driving laws and regulations, but renewing your license on time keeps you legal. It’ll also mean you’re in the loop with the latest road safety rules.
Not Watching the Weather
Weather conditions can completely change driving conditions, as a sunny day can be pretty challenging if a sudden downpour hits. You should always check the weather before heading out and plan accordingly. If the forecast looks bad, you might want to postpone your trip or stick to the route you know you can go down under these conditions.
Overconfidence From Experience
While years of driving give you much experience to draw on, they shouldn’t make you take unnecessary risks. You must maintain a healthy respect for road conditions and your current abilities because cautious driving is smart driving. This is particularly true during unexpected weather conditions.
Skipping Blind Spot Checks
Checking your blind spots should be a non-negotiable part of every drive, even though it’s easy to forget. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a hurry because you have to look before changing lanes or doing anything. Blind spots are a major cause of collisions, so you should make this simple action a habit.
Getting Distracted
Distractions while driving, including the radio or your phone, can be particularly dangerous as we age, even if it’s a conversation with a friend. You really should minimize anything that takes your focus off the road. Keeping distractions to a minimum means you’ll have your full attention on driving instead.
Ignoring Car Maintenance
Remember how your car is actually running. A well-maintained car is less likely to give you sudden mechanical trouble. Regular maintenance checks help catch issues before they become serious problems, whether that’s brakes or engine checks. Keeping your car in top shape is a basic part of safe driving.
Misusing High Beams
As important as high beams are during dark conditions, you mustn’t use them when other drivers are on the road because this can be dangerous. Whenever you see an oncoming vehicle, switch to low beams. After all, you’d want other drivers to use lights properly, so why not do the same?
Ignoring New Traffic Signs
Traffic regulations and signs change over time, so you need to stay aware of any updates. You might want to keep a closer eye on community news or even get a refresher through local driving courses. This way, you’ll stay informed and know exactly what’s happening with your local signage.
Ignoring Defensive Driving Classes
Never underestimate the value of a defensive driving course because there’s always something new to learn, which could improve your skills on the road. These classes may also give you some practical tips you can use every day. Doing these courses can sometimes lower your car insurance rates, so it’s a win-win situation.
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