12 Common Mistakes Older Drivers Make

Last week, I watched my 78-year-old dad nearly clip a mailbox while backing out of the driveway. It got me thinking about how driving habits change as we age.

Our reflexes slow down, vision gets fuzzy, and suddenly those driving skills we’ve relied on for decades need some fine-tuning.

Here’s a look at common driving mistakes that creep up as the years roll by – and some easy fixes to keep everyone safer on the road.

1. Forgetting to Use Turn Signals

Blinkers seem to become optional equipment after a certain age! Many older drivers develop the habit of changing lanes or turning without signaling, creating dangerous guessing games for other motorists.

This oversight often stems from decreased multitasking abilities rather than intentional disregard. A simple reminder: signaling isn’t just courtesy—it’s crucial communication that prevents accidents and road rage incidents.

2. Driving Too Slowly in Fast Lanes

Crawling along at 45 mph in the passing lane isn’t just frustrating—it’s downright hazardous! Speed differentials cause more accidents than speed itself sometimes.

Many senior drivers don’t realize they’ve become rolling roadblocks. The left lane is for passing, not cruising. When traffic builds up behind you like a parade, it’s time to scoot over and let the speedier vehicles through.

3. Misjudging Distances When Merging

Yikes! That gap wasn’t quite as big as it looked, was it? Depth perception changes with age, making highway merges particularly tricky territory for older drivers.

The decline in peripheral vision and processing speed creates dangerous merge attempts. Practice looking over your shoulder repeatedly before changing lanes, and remember that vehicles in mirrors are closer than they appear.

4. Failing to Check Blind Spots

Surprise! That motorcycle seemingly appeared out of nowhere because someone skipped their shoulder check. As neck mobility decreases with age, many seniors compensate by relying solely on mirrors.

Unfortunately, mirrors can’t capture everything. Those blind spot zones hide dangers that require a good old-fashioned head turn. Consider installing blind spot mirrors or high-tech detection systems if neck pain makes checking difficult.

5. Struggling with Nighttime Visibility

Headlights become starbursts and road signs turn fuzzy after sunset. Night driving becomes particularly challenging as pupils don’t dilate as efficiently with age, and cataracts or glaucoma compound the problem.

Many seniors don’t realize how compromised their night vision has become. Annual eye exams are crucial, and anti-glare glasses can help tremendously. When possible, schedule appointments and social events during daylight hours to avoid nighttime driving altogether.

6. Delayed Reaction to Traffic Signals

Green means go—eventually! That lag between light changes and hitting the gas pedal gets longer with age, frustrating drivers behind you and potentially causing rear-end collisions.

Processing speed naturally slows down over time. Stay extra alert at intersections and scan ahead for changing signals. If you notice your reactions becoming significantly delayed, consider routes with fewer traffic lights or using driver assistance technologies.

7. Making Wide, Drifting Turns

Watch that yellow line! Those graceful, sweeping turns that drift into oncoming traffic aren’t just stylistic choices—they’re accidents waiting to happen.

Decreased arm strength and flexibility often lead to wider turning arcs. Practice making tighter turns in empty parking lots, and consider power steering fluid checks if the wheel feels stiff.

8. Forgetting to Turn Off Blinkers

The eternal blinker strikes again! Nothing confuses fellow drivers quite like that turn signal flashing for three miles straight on the highway.

Most modern vehicles have auto-canceling signals, but they don’t always work with gentle steering movements. Make a mental note to check your dashboard after each turn.

Consider placing a small reminder note near your speedometer if this becomes a frequent issue.

9. Stopping Too Far From or Past Stop Lines

Whoa there! Either hanging way back from intersections or creeping halfway into crosswalks becomes more common as depth perception changes with age.

This misjudgment creates problems for pedestrians and confuses traffic sensors embedded in roads. Use the hood of your car as a visual guide—when the stop line disappears under it, you’re properly positioned.

Practice this technique in familiar neighborhoods before tackling busy intersections.

10. Becoming Overwhelmed by Complex Intersections

Roundabouts and multi-lane interchanges can trigger panic mode! The combination of multiple decisions, yielding rules, and quick lane changes overwhelms many older drivers.

Cognitive processing slows with age, making complex traffic situations more challenging. Plan routes to avoid complicated intersections when possible.

If you must navigate them, use GPS with voice guidance to reduce the mental workload, and consider practicing during off-peak hours.

11. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

That check engine light isn’t just festive holiday decoration! Many seniors develop a concerning habit of driving with warning indicators illuminated, hoping the problem will magically resolve itself.

Ignoring these warnings can lead to breakdowns in potentially dangerous locations. Keep a dashboard indicator guide in your glove compartment to understand what each symbol means.

12. Refusing to Adjust Driving Habits

The stubborn refusal to modify driving patterns might be the riskiest mistake of all! Many seniors insist on driving exactly as they always have, despite physical and cognitive changes that demand adaptation.

Pride often prevents acknowledging these changes. Start with small adjustments like avoiding rush hour or planning routes with fewer left turns.

Consider taking a mature driver safety course—many insurance companies even offer discounts for completing them.