subject: Over 50's driving tips [print this page] Over 50's driving tips Over 50's driving tips
While people falling into the over 50's age bracket are generally regarded as some of the safest drivers on the road, reflexes can decrease with age. If you plan on driving and having car insurance over 50, it is probably a good idea to be aware of how to drive defensively to maximise your safety. It would also be a good idea to get a customised quote according to your insurance needs from a provider such as Your Cover which provides online quotes for car insurance for over 50s
Here are some tips for defensive driving:
First, be aware of your level of alertness, and avoid driving if you are tired. In addition to simply feeling tired or drowsy, other signs of fatigue include an inability to concentrate and a slowed reaction time. If you start to feel exhausted on the road, simply pull over and take a rest; usually only 15-30 minutes of rest are necessary to feel alert again. If you can, try to avoid driving between midnight and 6:00 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. since these are the times at which people are the most fatigued.
Keep safe while backing out of driveways. Be aware of your vehicle's blind spots, and remember that other traffic and pedestrians behind you have the right of way. If you live in an area with many small children and pets, try to have someone monitor you backing out to avoid accidents.
Check mirrors before looking at your blind spots, and if you are merging in an area near cyclists or pedestrians, make sure to check your blind spots twice before turning or changing lanes.
Make sure to slow down when approaching roundabouts, and yield to any traffic already in the roundabout.
Signal well in advance before changing lanes, and make sure you look at your mirrors and blind spots before merging.
Use the "three second rule" to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Watch for the car in front of you to pass a stationary object, such as a road sign or tree. Afterwards, count slowly, "one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand." If you pass the same object before you finish counting, slow down, since you are following the other vehicle too closely. Repeating the count and adjusting your distance will give you adequate space to stop suddenly if you have to. If you are driving in wet weather, you may even want to add additional distance between you and the next vehicle.
Always avoid any alcohol before driving. Alcohol can interact with many medications, and can make you drowsy or slow your reaction time. If you are taking prescription medications, consult with your physician to see how these medicines could impact your reflexes and ability to drive.
Finally, be aware of your surroundings while driving. Check both your rear view and side view mirrors every several seconds, and drive more slowly if you are in wet weather or hazardous conditions to give you time to react to any unforeseen circumstances.
