Driving Tips for Young and Old
Remember the days when you first started to drive? You studied for the tests, took a driver training course, and always kept those hands at 10 and 2. Do you remember those early days of driving? Always paying special attention to what you were doing, how fast you were going, and shoulder checking constantly.
Well, hopefully you still do.
Many of us are still as diligent about our driving safety. Always applying what we learned from that Driver’s Ed class many moons ago. However, many of us have become a little too comfortable, developing a few bad driving habits. This is common and over time many of us have strayed from our previous driving habits.
What’s the problem?
There are a few culprits that sneak into our driving repertoire over the years. Speeding and driving too fast under the conditions. As we gain driving experience and our lives become busier, it is easier to get a bit of lead foot on the pedal. We can also get a little too comfortable driving in poor weather. Braking or accelerating too fast are common signs of bad habits that may develop over time. Tailgating is another problem, especially as our roads become more congested. Distractibility becomes a bigger problem for many of us. We are comfortable listening to the radio, or our earbuds. Cellphones, food, and drinks can also impact our ability to concentrate on the road.
So, what can we do?
Just because you’ve been driving for a long time doesn’t always mean you still are doing everything right. Even for experienced drivers, education is important. There are many driver education schools that offer refresher programs. If that’s not an option, then take the time before you get behind the wheel to refresh the good driving habits. The habits that once made you the darling of the road. Avoid distractions as much as possible and always pull over to a safe spot to use your cellphone. Make sure you are able to hear your surroundings while driving. Keeping noise volume at a manageable level is important. Keep your eyes on the road. Check your mirrors and be aware what’s going on around you. Adjust your speed according to the traffic around you. Maintaining a safe distance and speed goes along way to increasing your safety. Try to stay calm and focused. We see and hear a lot more about increases in road rage. Controlling your emotions while driving is important. Be mindful of your speed, the posted speed limits and the traffic around you. If you are travelling long distances on the highway, the speed can creep up on you. Take a rest if you are tired and refocus.
Please take some time to review driver safety before you get behind the wheel. It will go a long way in making you and the people around you safer.
About the Authors
Bill joined Oatley Vigmond in 2008, bringing with him extensive and varied experience working in the fields of rehabilitation and insurance. Now, he’s responsible for helping clients obtain accident benefits from their own car insurance company. He also helps assemble a reliable community rehabilitation and long-term care team for our clients.