Older Drivers - drivingI have been driving for over forty years and believe that I am a very safe driver. I have not received a traffic ticket since 1987. Yes, on the freeway I drive a few miles over the speed limit at times, but I maintain a safe following distance, yield to other drivers and understand that trying to have it my way when driving only leads to frustration.

1. Ideas For Older Drivers To Stay Safer While Driving

2. I have been driving for over forty years and
believe that I am a very safe driver.

3. I have not received a traffic ticket since
1987.

4. Yes, on the freeway I drive a few miles over
the speed limit at times, but I maintain a safe
following distance, yield to other drivers and
understand that trying to have it my way
when driving only leads to frustration.

5. A lot has changed since I began driving.

6. Gas is now more than $3. 00 a gallon.

7. When I started driving, gas prices were
1/10th of that price.

8. Vehicle design has changed tremendously.

9. And technologically, the change in vehicle
design and functionality has been enormous.

10. As drivers get older, they must also work to
change as much as possible, so that driving
remains as safe as possible for them.

11. Older Drivers Benefit
From Exercise And
Flexibility

12. One thing that is good for all of us is to get
regular exercise.

13. Studies have shown that older drivers who
exercise and stretch regularly are better able
to rotate their bodies and turn their heads
while driving.

14. Checking our blind spots, backing up,
making turns, scanning for traffic, all of these
things are much easier to do if our bodies
are fit and flexible.

15. I have been wearing
reading glasses now
for about 10 years.

16. I do not wear glasses when I drive, but being
able to see well while driving is essential.

17. Older drivers who need to wear glasses
while driving should schedule appointments
with an optometrist every few years to make
sure that they are wearing glasses for driving
that have an up to date prescription.

18. The optometrist can also check for medical
conditions like macular degeneration and
glaucoma, so that these issues, if present,
can be addressed.

19. Ongoing Education Helps Older Drivers

20. In Texas the state legislature meets every
two years and inevitably passes several new
traffic laws during each session.

21. The truth is that most drivers do not know
what most of these new traffic laws are until
they get pulled over and the officer explains
that nature of their offense.

22. It would benefit older drivers to take a
defensive driving course or an AARP Driver
Safety Course every few years, so that they
can brush up on old laws and get introduced
to new ones.

23. By taking a defensive driving course drivers
receive a discount on their auto insurance
and no matter what age you are that is a
good thing.

24. Regardless of what some people say, the
majority of older drivers are some of the
safest drivers on the road and by following
some of these ideas they can remain that
way for many years to come.