1/ Understand that the smaller knocks often occur in a
supermarket car park, so take more care when going there, park away
from other vehicles if possible and walk around your car when
leaving to see that there is sufficient room for you.
2/ When pulling out of a space check no one is behind
you like a small child who can become invisible through your rear
screen. Open your window to listen out for any sounds that might
indicate this like laughter shouting and so on.
3/ Never rely solely on your rear view mirrors, even if
you used to be a lorry driver! They just don't give you a full
field of view.
4/ When you decide its safe to go, just move slowly and
keep looking to both sides to check anything hasn’t come into your
reversing area. If you should hit something it will be quite gentle
and hopefully not too much damage will be done even to a child who
will hopefully have had time to move out of the way.
5/Try and turn as far round as physically possible. It
is more difficult when you're older, for sure then rather than just
twisting your neck try and twist from the shoulders and waist
more.
6/ At roundabouts and t-junctions or cross roads, take a
little more time look twice and if you feel that it doesn't "seem
right" stay where you are until sure.
7/ Pulling out to overtake on a dual carriageway, look
twice and signal BEFORE you move to give anyone else including
yourself chance to make a decision.
8/ Keep as fit as you can, so that you don't get so
stiff and the fitter you are the more alert your brain is
too.
9/ Take some extra driving lessons and try for an
advanced driver qualification. The car insurance companies will
love you for it! The idea of extra professional driving lessons
anyway even if you don't feel up to taking an advanced test will
sharpen your perception and find out those bad habits you have
developed over the years, such as steering with one hand, or an
elbow out of the window, or not keeping your rear-view mirror under
constant review.
10/ Have
your eyes checked professionally every year,
for your own health as well as for driving. The optician can get a
good idea of your overall health from looking into your eyes. The
time might come when you are no longer fit to drive and by being
checked out in this way it is likely to be later rather than sooner
because you are better trained to do the
job!