Defensive Driving
Prepare Yourself to Protect Yourself
For decades people of all ages have participated in defensive driving classes in classroom settings across America, and it’s possible that at some time in your life you’ve taken such a class. If you did, chances are you learned some valuable tips – but if it’s been a while since you took a class some of the knowledge may have slipped your mind. Now – while you’re considering how you can prepare to drive for a lifetime – may be the perfect time to sign up for a refresher.
Where to Find a Defensive Driving Class
A variety of organizations offer defensive driving classes. Defensive driving classes cover age-related changes that can affect driving, such as changes to vision, strength and reflexes.
You'll also learn valuable information on how medications can affect your ability to drive. These classes are also a great way to refresh your knowledge on state laws and get some practical tips on driving safely in today's environment. If you haven't had a refresher since you were first licensed to drive this is a great way to become more informed and safer. Many classes are offered in person in a classroom but online courses are becoming increasingly popular.
Possible Discounts
Many states offer an auto insurance discount for residents who complete a defensive driving course. Check with your insurance company or agent for information on what you would have to do to qualify.
The AARP Driver Safety Program
The nation's first and largest driver improvement course designed for drivers age 50 and older. Since its inception in 1979, the program has helped millions of drivers stay safe on today's roads. Available in a classroom and online setting, the course is open to AARP members and non-members of all ages, and there are no tests. The course covers topics such as defensive driving, new traffic laws and rules of the road, techniques for handling driving situations such as left turns and right-of-way and understanding new car safety technology. Course participants may also be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completion. For more information or to register, click here or call 1-866-664-5364.
Techniques to Avoid Crashes
Most crashes are not inevitable. While some are beyond your control, you can do a lot to avoid, or at least reduce the effects of, many crashes. While a defensive driving program will teach you many useful techniques for avoiding accidents, a few of the most important methods are highlighted here.
- Left turns at intersections: This is one of the major accident situations involving older drivers. That’s because there can be many elements demanding your attention, like other cars, pedestrians, kids on bikes, or a changing light – and a driver who is trying to run it. Impaired depth perception and other vision changes can make this a treacherous situation. Exercise greater caution while making a left-hand turn or choose a route that avoids difficult turns.
- Rollovers: These types of accidents are responsible for 33% of car fatalities. Of those killed in rollover crashes, nearly 75% were not wearing a seat belt. Vehicles that are narrow and taller, such as SUVs, pickup trucks and vans, have a greater likelihood of rolling over. This is another factor to consider when selecting a vehicle. Of course, always wear your seatbelt and don’t speed.
- Changing lanes: This type of accident is a major problem for adult drivers. As we age, we may have more difficulty turning our heads to look at cars approaching in an adjoining lane. Rear-view mirrors are important safety tools, but they’re not enough. Turn your head and look for approaching traffic in the lane into which you’ll be moving.
- Parking lots: It will be no surprise to anyone who has driven, even for a short period of time, that most parking lots are driving nightmares. Cars are backing up, often with the side views blocked by large vehicles, trucks or buildings; shoppers are hurrying to and fro without a glance left or right; and children newly released from the confines of their cars are running across driving lanes.
The best advice:
- Park so that you can drive forward from your spot when it’s time to leave, if at all possible.
- Park farther away in the parking lot if you can, so you will have fewer cars and pedestrians to contend with as you depart.
- Drive very slowly in the lot and be prepared to stop quickly at every intersection, whether or not you have a stop sign.
- Watch for other drivers who can’t be bothered driving in the established lanes, and who choose instead to follow their own direct route diagonally across the lot.
- Remember that you want to simply avoid an accident, not to show that you have – and intend to take – the right of way!
- Dark, rainy nights: These driving situations are difficult at any age, and they’re especially dangerous for us as we age. By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, we have already noticed that our vision is less sharp on dark, rainy nights. Do your best to avoid driving in these conditions if you are uncomfortable. Now is the time to bum a ride or, if possible, to put off the errand or visit until tomorrow.
