advertisement...
Senior Resources » 6 Helpful Driver Safety Class Tips

6 Helpful Driver Safety Class Tips

I recently took the AARP Driver Safety Class at the Johns Creek Active Adult Center. It was a six-hour class, taught by a retired schoolteacher. I highly recommend it! First, if you take this class, you’ll get a ten percent premium discount on your auto insurance—so long as you don’t have any tickets in the last three years. Plus, you’ll brush up on your driving skills! Truly a win-win. Here are 6 helpful tips I took away from that class.

Advertisement.

1. Keep three seconds between you and the car in front.

Known as the 3-Second Rule, this may actually help you avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front of you. In other words, you want to leave a certain gap between your car and the car in front of you to avoid accidents! Maintaining a three-second following distance is a simple, but easy, way to practice driver safety.

2. Adjust your side mirrors to prevent blind spots.

Did you know that over 800,000 blind spot accidents happen per year? And it’s no wonder. Blind spots are those areas that you cannot see when looking in your side mirrors. It’s imperative to adjust your side mirrors and eliminate those pesky—and potentially dangerous—blind spots.

Advertisement.

3. Position your grip on the steering wheel at the 8 and 4 o’clock position.

While there are several positions one’s hands can assume on the steering wheel, the 8 and 4 o’clock position may be one of the safest. In fact, this may be the safest grip in the event that the airbag deploys. Not to mention, this position may not be as much of a strain on your hands. Translation—it may be optimal for longer road trips! Now, this is a great driver safety tip!

4. Wear amber-tinted sunglasses.

We’ve all been driving down the road when we turn the corner and WHAM—our eyes are hit with a powerful glare. Sunlight is beautiful, but it sure can be inconvenient! Even dangerous, if it affects our ability to drive safely. Amber-tinted sunglasses, in particular, may be useful for those who live in more variable climates. Plus, you’ll look stylish while wearing them. Driver safety and style—the perfect combination.

5. Take the Driver Safety Quiz or other online tests.

man on computer

The Driver Safety Quiz, available for free on the official AARP website, is a great way to test your driving knowledge. Of course, there are a number of other tests you can take, as well! In fact, Delaware DMV’s official website even offers a number of games you can play!

Advertisement.

6. Remember to take your time.

In our younger years, most of us were aggressive road warriors, in a hurry to get to our next destination. Time has a funny way of making you slow down, both literally and metaphorically. It may even change your outlook on driving. If you’re running a few minutes late, don’t speed to make up the difference. Follow the speed limit and pay attention to other drivers. Remember—it’s more important to be safe than on time.

Looking for more?

Whether it’s time for a change, or you’re just doing some research, we can help! At SeniorResource.com, we believe in the empowerment of older adults and their caregivers through knowledge. But, we also understand that at this juncture of life, time is your most valuable asset. So, why waste it doing another internet search? Senior Resource is your one-stop spot for all things retirement. We do the work and find all the facts, just so you don’t have to!

SeniorResource.com exists to provide aging adults, retirees, and caregivers with applicable, and educational content, relevant to the over-55 community. As such, we address topics like senior housing, nursing care, and aging-in-place.

Looking for more great articles? Then start here!

Advertisement.

Popular Articles About Senior Safety

Originally published October 26, 2023

Author(s):

Free Senior Resources

Ultimate Guide to Retirement Communities

The Ultimate Guide to Retirement Communities

Get The Guide
5 Health conditions e-book cover

5 Health Conditions That Affect Baby Boomers and 5 Ways to Avoid Them

Get The Guide
ultimate estate planning checklist and guide

Ultimate Estate Planning Checklist & Guide

Get The Guide

Guide to Adult Day Care

Get The Guide
Show this content while the ad loads.