Senior couple on a road trip in a car together

Smart & Safe: Essential Driving Tips for Seniors to Stay Confident and Covered on the Road

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Driving looks a little different as we get older. You might find yourself sticking to familiar routes, avoiding nighttime drives, or just being a little more cautious than you used to be. So, how do you stay confident behind the wheel?

In this post, we’ll provide practical tips and helpful insights to keep senior drivers safe, comfortable, and covered on the road.

Seniors and Driving: Why Safety Matters

More seniors are behind the wheel than ever before. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 20% of licensed drivers in the U.S. are 65 or older, and this number is expected to continue increasing.

While many older adults continue to drive safely, age-related changes like slower reflexes, reduced vision, or joint stiffness can make driving more challenging. These shifts don’t make someone a bad driver, but they do require a bit more planning and awareness.

In fact, older drivers were involved in 19% of fatal crashes in 2021, according to the NHTSA. That makes it especially important for seniors to schedule regular medical checkups, keep an eye on their abilities, and adapt driving routines—like avoiding night driving or heavy traffic—to match how they feel behind the wheel.

Safe Driving Tips for Seniors

A few small changes in your driving habits can help you feel more confident and in control. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Get plenty of rest: A consistent sleep schedule helps prevent drowsy driving, which can slow your reaction time and make it harder to focus. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and avoid driving if you’re feeling tired.
  • Minimize distractions: Phones, loud music, or even trying to multitask while driving can take your attention off the road. Keep things calm and quiet so you can avoid distracted driving and stay fully focused on what’s ahead.
  • Be mindful of the weather: Driving in rain, fog, or snow can be tricky, even for the most experienced drivers. If conditions are poor or visibility is low, it’s okay to wait it out or ask for help with transportation.
  • Plan ahead: Mapping your route before leaving home and using GPS for real-time updates can help reduce stress and avoid sudden detours or confusing intersections.

Defensive Driving for Seniors

Defensive driving is an approach that helps you stay alert, make informed decisions, and give yourself extra time to react. Here are some advanced defensive driving tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep a safe distance: Leave at least three seconds between your car and the one ahead (more if the weather is bad or visibility is low). This gives you plenty of time to stop if traffic suddenly changes.
  • Stay aware of others: Watch for turn signals, brake lights, and lane changes so you can anticipate what other drivers might do next.
  • Follow the speed limit: Driving at a safe, steady speed gives you more control and helps you respond to unexpected situations more easily.
  • Consider a refresher course: Defensive driving classes—like those from AARP Driver Safety or AAA—are great for brushing up on the rules of the road, learning how to drive on the highway, and may even qualify you for a car insurance discount.

Best Car for Senior Drivers

Today’s vehicles often include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are smart safety features that help prevent accidents and reduce driver workload. For seniors, these systems can be especially valuable. For those who aren’t tech savvy, consider asking a friend or family member for help. Look for models that include:

  • Lane departure warning: Alerts you if your vehicle starts to drift out of your lane without signaling.
  • Backup cameras: Make reversing easier and safer, especially for drivers with limited mobility.
  • Blind spot monitoring: Warns you of cars hiding in those tricky blind spots.
  • Adaptive cruise control: Automatically maintains a safe distance from the car ahead, reducing fatigue on long trips.

Beyond tech, it’s important to choose a car that feels comfortable and easy to drive. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Top safety ratings: Look for high marks from trusted sources, like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and NHTSA.
  • Easy to get in and out: Look for cars with higher seats, wide door openings, and roomy interiors to avoid awkward twisting or bending.
  • Great visibility: Big windows and fewer blind spots can make a huge difference in comfort and safety.
  • Simple controls: Large buttons, easy-to-read screens, and minimal distractions help you stay focused on the road.

If you’re looking for a car that’s safe, comfortable, and easy to drive, here are some top picks that check all the right boxes for senior drivers.

Car Model Key ADAS Features Why It’s Senior-Friendly

Subaru Forester

EyeSight® system with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.

Excellent visibility, high safety ratings, and easy to get in and out of.

Honda CRV

Honda Sensing® with lane departure warning, collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

Spacious interior, smooth ride, and user-friendly dashboard

Toyota Camry

Toyota Safety Sense™ with lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and pre-collision system.

Comfortable sedan with strong safety ratings and quiet cabin/

Hyundai Santa Fe

Blind spot view monitor, forward collision-avoidance, and smart cruise control

Comfortable seating, intuitive controls, and great crash-test scores

Kia Soul

Standard lane keep assist, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic alert

High seating position, compact size, and large windows for visibility

When Should Seniors Stop Driving?

Deciding when to stop driving is a personal and sometimes difficult decision. However, recognizing when it’s time to scale back or stop altogether is an important part of protecting yourself and others on the road.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, it could be a sign that it’s time to reconsider driving:

  • Frequent close calls or fender benders
  • Getting lost in familiar places
  • Difficulty reading signs or seeing at night
  • Slower reaction times to unexpected situations
  • Trouble staying in the lane or judging gaps in traffic
  • Increased anxiety while driving
  • Others expressing concern about your driving

If you’re speaking with a loved one, share your concerns with empathy, offer specific examples, and remind them you want what’s best for their well-being. Including a doctor or occupational therapist in the conversation can also help provide clarity and a professional opinion.

Also, giving up the keys doesn’t have to mean losing freedom. There are many alternative transportation options that can keep seniors mobile and independent, such as public transportation, ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft, and community-based senior transportation programs. And when those options aren’t available, family and close friends are often more than willing to step in and help with errands, appointments, or outings.

How Insurance Can Support Senior Drivers

The right auto insurance policy can offer peace of mind and added protection for senior drivers, especially as needs change with age. Many insurance providers offer features and discounts designed specifically to support older adults behind the wheel.

For example, seniors who purchase a new car with advanced features or complete a defensive driving course may qualify for discounts to lower their premiums. Roadside assistance is also a helpful endorsement to add to your policy, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck on the side of the road alone.

“It’s a smart idea for senior drivers to revisit their insurance policy now and then. Even small changes in driving habits can lead to meaningful savings or better protection,” Kevin Quinn, VP Claims, Auto.

Conclusion

Getting older doesn’t always mean giving up the driver’s seat. It just means being a little more thoughtful about how, when, and what you drive.

If you’re ready to explore cheap car insurance options, Mercury makes it easy. With affordable rates, helpful agents, and policies that can flex with your lifestyle, they’re a great choice for senior drivers who want to stay protected without overpaying.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.

Read More Articles by Kevin Quinn

Mercury Team

The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.

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