Why driving habits matter more as you age.
As drivers age, certain habits can unintentionally draw attention on the road. While being cautious is essential, some driving behaviors might make other drivers assume you’ve hit your senior years. These mistakes don’t just affect perceptions—they can also impact road safety.
By identifying and addressing these common errors, older drivers can maintain their confidence behind the wheel and prove that experience often trumps youth.
Let’s explore some of the driving habits that unintentionally give away your age and how to correct them for a smoother ride.
1. Driving far below the speed limit.
While driving cautiously is wise, sticking too far below the speed limit can frustrate other drivers and make traffic flow unpredictable. This mistake often happens when older drivers are extra careful about avoiding tickets or are unfamiliar with the road. However, driving significantly under the limit can pose risks, as it forces others to brake suddenly or overtake in unsafe situations.
According to NHTSA, if you tend to drive slower, practice finding a comfortable speed closer to the posted limit. Try driving on familiar roads at various times to adjust to traffic patterns and regain confidence at higher speeds. You’ll not only feel more in control but also reduce the chance of creating road rage or hazardous overtakes.
2. Keeping the turn signal on for too long.
Few things frustrate other drivers more than following a car with its turn signal blinking endlessly. This common mistake, often associated with senior drivers, happens when they either forget to turn it off or are overly focused on their surroundings. While unintentional, it can confuse others on the road and lead to unsafe assumptions about your next move.
The solution? Develop the habit of double-checking your signal after completing a turn or lane change. Most modern cars have indicators on the dashboard to remind you, so a quick glance can help.
3. Reacting too slowly to green lights.
Lingering at a green light can quickly label you as an inattentive or overly cautious driver. It’s easy to miss the light change when your attention is focused on adjusting your seat, checking mirrors, or scanning for hazards. Unfortunately, this habit can irritate drivers behind you, leading to honking and unnecessary tension.
To avoid this, try focusing on the traffic light as you approach a stop. Pay attention to cues, such as crosswalk signals counting down or the movement of traffic in other lanes. Building awareness of these patterns helps you anticipate the light change and react promptly.
4. Turning too slowly at intersections.
A slow, wide turn at intersections is often perceived as a sign of cautious or inexperienced driving. For older drivers, this habit may stem from limited neck mobility, decreased confidence in judging distances, or concerns about oncoming traffic. However, it can disrupt traffic flow and confuse other drivers waiting their turn.
If tight turns make you uncomfortable, practice maneuvering in empty parking lots to rebuild your confidence. Also, consider consulting a physical therapist or investing in a wide-angle rearview mirror to address mobility or visibility issues.
5. Hesitating too long at stop signs.
Extended hesitation at stop signs can signal uncertainty, which often leads to miscommunication between drivers. Whether caused by difficulty judging who has the right of way or being overly cautious, this habit can frustrate others and even lead to unnecessary accidents.
To break this pattern, refresh your knowledge of right-of-way rules and practice approaching stop signs with more confidence. Being decisive doesn’t mean being reckless—check for traffic, make eye contact with other drivers when necessary, and proceed smoothly.
6. Hugging the right lane on the highway.
Many senior drivers gravitate toward the right lane on highways, often to avoid faster-moving traffic or lane changes. While staying in the right lane is appropriate for slower speeds, consistently hugging it—even when the road is clear—can limit your options for overtaking or responding to merging vehicles.
To feel more comfortable across all lanes, practice highway driving during quieter times. Gradually build confidence in switching lanes and maintaining a steady pace in middle lanes when appropriate. This flexibility not only makes you a more dynamic driver but also demonstrates your ability to adapt to changing traffic conditions.
7. Braking too often or too early.
Frequent or premature braking can make you stand out as a cautious senior driver. While it’s natural to brake when unsure about upcoming conditions, doing so excessively can confuse or annoy drivers behind you. This behavior is especially noticeable in stop-and-go traffic or when approaching curves.
Improve your braking habits by maintaining a consistent following distance and scanning the road ahead for potential hazards. Anticipating traffic patterns lets you decelerate smoothly instead of reacting abruptly.
8. Misjudging parking angles or distances.
Parking errors, such as being crooked in a space or leaving too much distance from the curb, are often linked to diminished spatial awareness. These mistakes might also stem from a lack of familiarity with parking assist technologies found in newer vehicles.
Combat this by taking time to practice parking maneuvers in less crowded areas. Learn how to use your car’s backup camera or sensors effectively, as they’re designed to make parking easier and more accurate.
9. Avoiding left turns at busy intersections.
Many older drivers prefer to avoid left turns at busy intersections, opting for longer routes with simpler right turns instead. While this may feel safer, it’s often impractical and can disrupt traffic flow if done at the last minute.
Build confidence in making left turns by practicing during off-peak hours. Familiarize yourself with the timing of traffic lights and identify intersections with dedicated left-turn signals.
10. Using both feet for braking and accelerating.
Driving with one foot on the brake and one on the accelerator is a habit that screams “senior driver.” This technique, while common among some older drivers, can lead to jerky stops, unintentional braking, or even faster wear on your vehicle’s brakes.
Commit to using only one foot for both pedals, as this promotes smoother transitions between accelerating and stopping. Practice this habit in a safe area until it feels natural. It not only improves your driving but also eliminates one of the most noticeable markers of outdated habits behind the wheel.
11. Forgetting to turn on headlights at dusk.
Failing to turn on headlights during low-light conditions can make you harder to see and signal to others that you’re not in tune with changing visibility needs. While automatic headlights solve this issue in newer cars, older models still require manual adjustment.
Set a routine to check your headlights whenever you start your vehicle, especially during early mornings or evenings. If you often forget, consider adding a sticky note as a reminder on your dashboard. Taking small steps like these helps ensure your safety while signaling awareness and competency to other drivers.