A Turn for the Better: Tips for Experienced Drivers

You’ve been driving since the Dead Sea was just sick, and you know what you are doing on the road. Your insurance company and others say your risk for accidents goes up as you age, but those things only happen to other people. You’re still sharp as a tack and just as good a driver as you have always been, right? 

Maybe, but maybe not. Sometimes driving comes so naturally to us that we get complacent, forget about some of the rules, or just get a little careless. Here are some tips for experienced drivers that can keep you safe on the road, even with those other horrible drivers. 

Review the Rules

Whether you have just moved to a new state or you are going to renew your license, review the driver’s manual even if you do not have to take a written test. This may remind you of some of the rules of the road you may have forgotten. You may also be surprised if some laws have changed since you last looked over the manual. 

In many states, the laws have changed in the last few years about bikes, pedestrians and speed limits on public highways. It never hurts to do a little review just to make sure you are up to date. 

Get Your Vision Checked

You should be doing this anyway, and even though realizing you need reading glasses may be disappointing, driving glasses can actually make you look pretty cool, kind of like Steve McQueen in “Bullitt.” If you have astigmatism or minor cataracts, driving glasses may be the answer for you. 

Driving glasses can also be really helpful for driving at night since they cut the glare from oncoming headlights and help you see things more clearly. Don’t worry, there are some really cool frames out there, and if you wear leather driving gloves too people will just think you are a professional. 

Take It Easy

Slow down, and don’t be in too much of a hurry to get somewhere. Leave early, even if you have to lie to your wife about what time your appointment or dinner date really is to get her out of the house on time. Rushing around is never worth it, and when we are stressed and in a hurry we make more mistakes. On the road, even a small mistake can mean an accident or ticket, and both those things can make you even later than before. 

Don’t get angry. Sometimes other drivers do silly things that may even put you in danger. Getting angry only makes the situation worse and causes you to become even more stressed. Many accidents are caused by road rage, following too close and brake checking someone. These only make you feel better temporarily and will make you feel worse if you cause an accident. 

Don’t respond if someone else gets angry at you either. You don’t know the reason they might be upset, and in some states you never know if they might be armed should the altercation escalate. Be mature, respond appropriately and leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Just because you are constantly becoming a more experienced driver, you don’t have to be a risk on the road or give up any of your freedom. Review the rules, get your vision checked, and take it easy out there. Doing so will make sure that everyone stays safe on the road.