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 school teacher. 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 on your driving skills! Truly a win-win. Here are 6 helpful tips I took away from that class.

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.
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.
Read next: Auto Aids That Make Driving Easier and Safer for Seniors
5. Take the Driver Safety Quiz or other online tests.
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!
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.
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Robert Fowler
Contributing WriterRobert Fowler is a retired blogger who lives with his wife, Mary Ann at Village at Deaton Creek, a Del Webb Community in North Georgia. Robert was previously the President of Retirement Media Inc. He has visited numerous 55+ Active Adult Communities over the years, sharing his experiences along the way with readers. View more posts