Suggestions for Improvement

1. I signal and check to the rear when I change lanes.
   
2. I wear a seat belt.
   
3. I try to stay informed of changes in driving and highway regulations.
   
4. Intersections bother me: there is too much to watch for from all directions.
   
5. I find it difficult to decide when to join traffic on a busy highway.
   
6. I think I am slower than I used to be in reacting to dangerous driving situations.
   
7. When I am really upset, I show it in my driving.
   
8. My thoughts wander when I am driving.
   
9. Traffic situations make me angry.
   
10. I get regular eye checks to keep my vision at its sharpest.
    
11. I check with my doctor or pharmacist about the effects of my medications on my driving ability.
    
12. I try to stay abreast of current information on health practices and habits.
    
13. My children, other family members or friends are concerned about my driving ability.
    
14. How many traffic tickets, warnings, or discussions with officers have you had in the past two years?

back to top

8. My thoughts wander when I am driving.

The ideal answer is "Never," but even the best drivers catch themselves at this "Sometimes." However, if you checked "Always," you are a dangerous driver.

Driving is a complicated and demanding task, requiring continuous concentration. Even momentary lapses can lead to danger.

Investigations of collisions and fatalities of older drivers, particularly those over age 65, show that inattention and failing to take action are underlying causes, or at least contributing factors.

Not seeing road signs or stop signs, failing to yield, and so on, are major problems of older drivers cited for violations or involved in collisions. These problems are thought to be due to inattention.

Of course you have probably seen drivers in animated conversations or talking on car phones and noticed how it affected their driving - slamming on brakes or drifting from their lanes. Other drivers drink coffee, groom themselves, or try to glance at reading materials while driving. In an emergency, these inattentive drivers may not be able to return from their diversions in time to take evasive action.

Many conditions that you may not be able to control can interfere with your ability to concentrate: emotional upsets, fatigue, illness, medications, alcohol, full meals, pain, or a loud radio.

One area in which you have total control is your decision to give driving your full attention. Give driving the attention it deserves, and you will buy yourself valuable seconds of reaction time in an emergency.

To keep your thoughts from wandering, you can:

• Maintain proper speeds and try and stay with the flow of traffic. Remember, going too slowly can sometimes be as dangerous as going too fast.
  
  
• Treat driving as a complicated task requiring your full attention. Remember, 30 complex decisions are needed for every kilometre you drive.
  
  
• If you catch yourself daydreaming or otherwise failing to concentrate on your driving, identify what is diverting you and try to overcome it. If you have difficulty, seek help such as talking to your doctor.
  
  
• Take the necessary steps to remove or reduce distractions such as turning off the radio.
  
  
• Play the "What If" game to stay alert and mentally prepare for driving emergencies. Ask what you would do if certain situations occur.

back to top