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Being able to drive is one of the biggest freedoms in life. Make sure you can stay on the road long into the future with these top tips from Richard Gladman, Head of Driving & Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s leading road safety charity.
Drive regularly
It’s all too easy to get out of practice with driving, especially if you tend to sit in the passenger seat when you go out with family or your partner. Try to take the car for a little spin at least every other day to keep your hand in, even if you’re just nipping to the shops.
Refresh your skills
If you’re 70 and over and need to renew your licence, or you just want some reassurance of your skills then there are lots of courses that can help. IAM RoadSmart offer a 1-hour Mature Driver Review to provide an honest and unbiased evaluation of your driving. There’s no test involved and the aim of the course is to boost your skills and confidence.
“Everyone should have a review. To think that we go from 17 to 70 without anyone looking at our driving… I certainly think it’s something we should all do.” Sue Cole
Make a change
If your grip isn’t as strong as it was, or your legs tire easily, you could swap from a manual car to an automatic. There are some special adaptations for your car that could be useful, including an electronic accelerator that sits behind the steering wheel so you can control the car’s speed with your hands instead of your feet, and an easy release handbrake that means you don’t have to use your thumb to press the button.
Make sure you’re in tip-top condition
Your eyesight is of utmost importance when driving, so make sure you’ve got an up-to-date prescription and always have your glasses or prescription sunglasses with you. Have your hearing checked too, and make sure any medications are non-drowsy and have no side effects that could impact on your driving.
Be prepared
Before embarking on a long journey ensure your mirrors and seat are properly adjusted. Make sure you know your way around your vehicle. Do you know how to open the bonnet and where the washer fluid needs to go?
Make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel, your tyres are properly inflated and that your oil levels are correct. If overlooked these little things can cause a big headache!
The IAM RoadSmart, Mature Driver Review costs £65.
Visit iamroadsmart.com/yours or call 0300 303 1134 to sign up today.
