Driver improvement courses can help mature drivers become safer behind the wheel. AAA offers 'Safe Driving for Mature Operators' courses online or in a classroom near you. Click here to learn more about the course available through your local AAA club.

Just for Seniors

The most common factors in collisions involving mature drivers are:

• Failure to yield right of way
• Improper left turns
• Confusion in heavy traffic
• Inattention
• Complications while backing up
• Failure to maintain proper speed
• Hesitation in responding to new traffic signs, signals or pavement markings

These factors can be minimized using the tools found on this Web site and by utilizing the five “pointers” below:

1. Move into an intersection only after checking the area for pedestrians, cyclists, hazards and other motor vehicles. Don't allow other drivers to pressure you into sudden moves.
2. Limit conversation and keep the radio volume low to minimize distraction.
3. Don't drive when you're tired, depressed or in the grips of a strong emotion, such as anger.
4. Never drink and drive. Metabolism changes with age, and even one drink can make driving unsafe at any speed. In addition, avoid driving until you are aware of how new medications may impair your driving.
5. Ensure your windshield is clean and visibility is clear. If you smoke, refrain form lighting up inside the vehicle.

Driving

Driving isn’t like riding a bicycle. If you don’t drive often or perform certain maneuvers for extended periods of time, it’s likely that you won’t perform them quickly or correctly when the need arises. Keep your basic skills sharp with the following tips from the AAA Foundation:

• Left Turn Arrows
• Changing Lanes
• 4-Way Stop

The AAA Foundation also offers instructional videos for the following topics:

• 2-Way Stop (Video)
• Making Left Turns (Video)
• Yielding (Video)
• Merging (Video)

Driving in heavy traffic can be the most difficult aspect of driving. When traffic is heavy, you may want to stay off the road. If you must drive in heavy traffic, stay in your lane, use your turn signals, and try to be patient. Frequent lane changes to get where you’re going a little quicker can be hazardous and usually don’t make much of a difference. Should you need to exit, get ready early. Remain alert but relaxed, and enjoy the ride.

Pedestrians, especially in urban settings, pose a special kind of problem for senior drivers because of their unpredictability. While most pedestrians use crosswalks and obey signals, expect the unexpected. Someone may dart out at the last second to try to cross the street just as your signal turns green. Others may approach you from behind your vehicle. Watch out for bicyclists and skaters, who usually move at a faster speed than walkers and runners. Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way.

Fighting Glare: Behind the Wheel at Night

One of the most difficult aspects of driving at night is dealing with glare. Bright light from other cars’ headlights can take a toll on our eyes and increase the chances of a collision at night. The effects of glare can be reduced with a few simple tips:

• Avert your eyes. When oncoming vehicles shine light directly into your eyes, turn your gaze to the white line on the right side of the road, or to where the pavement meets the shoulder, until the vehicle goes by.
• Use the mirror’s “night” setting. All cars have day/night interior mirrors to reduce glare from cars directly behind you. You can usually change the mirror to its “night” setting by flipping the small lever at the bottom of the mirror.
• Use your lights courteously. Use your fog lights only when there’s fog and avoid using high beams in fog, when approaching oncoming vehicles or in urban areas.
• Take frequent breaks. Your eyes need a break to recover from glare when driving long distances at night.

For more information, see the AAA Foundation's Blinded by the Light! brochure.