What You Should Know About Driving After Age 70

There is good news for drivers who are senior citizens. According to the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation, 1 out of 3 drivers is over the age of 55 and they are statistically considered the safest demographic on the road due to their experience and level of responsibility. That being said, it is important that senior drivers keep their driving skills up to date because according to the same source people over the age of 75 are actually more likely to be in an auto accident and more likely to sustain serious injuries during said accident. We care about our seniors in the Milwaukee, WI area and want to keep you up to date on what you need to know.

Keeping Safe on the Road is Vital for all Ages 

Dern & Company knows that information is power. So the more information people have about the top causes of traffic incidences in each age group the more likely they can be avoided. As people continue to drive over age 70, they need to be aware of any health issues that may arise that make driving difficult. For example, if a driver has not had an eye test in a few years, they may not be aware that their sight is a risk to their safety on the road. A pair of glasses could be an easy fix that can save a life and prolong driving years. Medications are another risk for drivers of all ages, if a doctor changes the dose or prescribes a new medication it is vital to make sure to read the precautions and take the first few doses without driving, just in case. Knowledge of your capabilities and how to fix any safety issues can mean a longer lifespan.

Contact us at Dern & Company for all of your insurance needs in and around Milwaukee, WI. We want to help all of our customers enjoy the privilege of driving for as long as possible.

Tips to Avoid Hydroplaning

Driving in rainy weather conditions can be dangerous in the Milwaukee, WI area because hydroplaning can occur. Hydroplaning can happen when there is standing water on the road and sufficient speed that causes your tires to lose contact with the road. A loss of road contact results in a loss of ability to steer and brake. The loss of control feeling often causes drivers to panic and overcorrect, which can lead to an out of control car.

Avoid Hydroplaning

If you’re traveling in the rain, do not use the cruise control so you can stay aware of your speed and adjust as needed. Make sure your tires have adequate tread and rotate your tires regularly to maintain even wear and maximize the life of your tires. Replace tires when the tread is getting low. The better the tread, the more efficiently the tire will push rain and snow out of the way. Avoid standing water on the road and pay attention to cars in front of you to see how much water is coming from their tires.  It will help you know when you need to slow down.

Handling Hydroplaning

Remain calm because hydroplaning tends to be a short situation and that feeling of a loss of control will be short. Do not panic and hit the brakes. Gently lift your foot off the gas to allow the weight of the front of the car to bring things back under control. Avoid over-correcting by gently steering in the direction you need to go. 

Dern & Company

We have been providing auto insurance coverage to those in the Milwaukee, WI area for over 25 years. Dern & Company agents are experienced and are here to help you find the auto insurance policy that’s perfect for your situation.