Driving changes.

Savvy_Sue

chesky369 wrote: »

I've never really enjoyed driving - I learnt fairly late in life, in my 40s, so I don't think it's ever been a natural thing for me. I'm a good driver though but this winter I've noticed that night driving makes me slightly anxious. I think this is probably due to the fact that I don't do it as often as I used, so I think the key is to keep on driving as much as possible and don't get out of the habit.

Very true.

Couple of things that I think are worth saying: we changed to an automatic car after I crocked my shoulder, and it does reduce the number of things you need to a) think about and b) physically do, which may be a help if you're getting stiff and creaky!

The other is that you can always get a refresher driving lesson if you either haven't driven for a while or you're beginning to feel anxious in certain situations. I've done this twice: once after the brain surgery when I'd been medically unable to drive for a few months (although not required to give up my licence) and once after we got the automatic car (in an automatic car this time!)

I found it very reassuring both times: it wasn't down to DH to say whether I seemed safe or not the first time I went out, afterwards I had a professional opinion that I was OK to drive.

If it's night driving that bothers you, get an evening lesson: at this time of year it won't have to be very late. If it's motorways or dual carriageways, ask for that to be included. If it's roundabouts, or maybe one evil roundabout in particular near where you live, ask to go round that a few times!

You should be able to go out in your own car (although I chose to use the instructor's car each time, because not having driven at all for several months I wasn't going to be confused!!!)

I'm usually the main driver, because DH likes reading in the car and I can't or I feel sick, and he really didn't enjoy having to do it all while I was 'off the road'.

rochja

Practical steps I take to make night driving easier are: keep all glass including windscreen, lights and glasses grease free giving them attention before any night journey; treat the outside of the windscreen with a water repellant; limit use of full beam to absolutely necessary lighting conditions as the transition between full and dipped and vice versa can be painful; when cars approach dip as early as possible and return to main beam as you pass - also focus eyes on the verge about half a mile ahead of you and steer accordingly. Don't look directly into oncoming headlights; keep proper control of speed so there is no need for sudden speed changes to cope with changes in lighting conditions; stop regularly to rest eyes; drop the driver's window slightly so your hearing is helping and therefore reducing the pressure on your other senses. Some of these devices may help others?

canaster

My brother had cataract treatment about two years ago. A couple of weeks ago I was speaking to him on the telephone and asked him what prompted him to seek treatment. He said that it was difficulty driving at night that made him go for an eye test. The optician told him he should not have really been driving and referred him to the eye hospital for cataract treatment, which was a success.

I was having the same difficulty so went for an eye test myself. The optician told me that my eye sight was "legal" for driving but there were cataracts developing. She said she could prescribe me stronger glasses or refer me to the eye hospital for possible cataract treatment. I asked her to refer me, which she did, and I am told it may be up to four months before they call me in.

The optician told me that the reason I was getting more glare from oncoming headlights was because whereas the light is normally dispersed the cataracts were causing the light to be concentrated.

It gave me some confidence to know that my eye sight is "legal" but I am intent on improving it if at all possible whether by cataract treatment or stronger glasses.

I think there has been some very helpful advice given above. Cleaning the car windows, taking quieter routes, at night, changing to an automatic car. Maybe having a driving instructor confirm that your driving is ok or having an eye test which confirms you have satisfactory vision for driving, will all give you confidence.

I think some of the hazards of night driving are a challenge to anyone. For instance, Bike riders on dark roads with very faint rear lights or pedestrians with dark clothes on.

I remember a couple of years ago, waiting for a bus late at night. The bus went flying past the stop and then pulled up suddenly. When I eventually got on, the driver told me he thought the bus stop was empty until he suddenly noticed a pair of white shoes standing there.

My fault for dressing like the "Man in black"!

[Deleted User]

tanith wrote: »

. I also found I was letting my DH do all the driving when we went out together/on holidays so I put a stop to it and we tend to now take it turn.

That was me since dh retired, it was automatic that dh got into the driving seat and it did make the confidence slip over the past two years. He had an op 3 weeks ago that curtailed his driving for a while and I took over and my confidence has returned. Lesson learned and I don`t want to slip back to the old ways so I`ll be making sure that I drive 50% of the time

Re night driving, I never liked it so try not to drive in the dark esp on wet nights

nedmundo

Caution needs be exercised here as any tint darker than a 15% absorption (a slight tinge) isn't legal to drive at night with.

chesky369

I personally don't think it's a problem with my eyes - more like my brain, or nerve, resulting from the lack of practice that I mentioned before. Having said that, I don't think I'm going to take to the night roads every evening.

eamon

I just think that urban driving today is just so stressful. Almost everybody it would appear wants to be at their destination yesterday. So much more extra traffic as well. Its just less enjoyable and more expensive.

littlewren

I don't like changing lanes, which of course is a problem at roundabouts! Look in rear view mirror, then look in wing mirror, check blind spot, then when you've finished that is there still nothing about to come up on your right? :eek: Of course I'm fine if nothing's in that lane, but if there is, have I got room to pull out? So I tend to avoid situations where I have to pull into the right hand lane at roundabouts unless it's one where I can just drive into that lane (if you see what I mean!)