We all have our quirks when driving, but boomers? We’ve got some habits that scream their generation loud and clear. It’s not about criticizing, it’s about observing and maybe even learning a thing or two.
Driving is a universal experience, but it’s also incredibly individual. Each generation has its own unique style behind the wheel, and boomers are no exception.
Whether it’s their unwavering loyalty to paper maps or their love for classic rock on the radio, there are certain things that just give away a boomer in traffic.
In this article, we’re going to chat about the 7 things boomers do when driving that instantly gives away their age. Buckle up and get ready for a fun ride down memory lane.
1) Old school navigation
You know that moment when you see a driver with a giant paper map spread out across their dashboard? That’s a boomer giveaway.
While the rest of us rely on GPS and smartphone apps to navigate, boomers often stick to what they know and trust – good old fashioned maps. And who can blame them?
There’s something reassuring about having a tangible map in your hand, even if it does mean pulling over to figure out where you are.
But it’s not just maps. It’s their hesitation to use modern technology for navigation. Spot a driver squinting at road signs instead of an illuminated screen? You’ve probably found yourself a boomer.
This adherence to traditional methods of navigation speaks volumes about their generation – one that values self-reliance and isn’t easily swayed by the latest tech fads. It might seem out of touch to some, but for boomers, it’s just another day on the road.
And let’s be real, there’s something admirable about their dedication to the old ways, even if it does give their age away.
2) Strictly speed limit
Here’s one that never fails to amuse me. I remember riding in the car with my friend Joe, a classic boomer if ever there was one. He was the kind of driver who would never dare go a single mile over the speed limit.
We’d be cruising down the highway, and he’d have his eyes glued to the speedometer, making sure he was exactly on point. It didn’t matter if people were honking or whizzing past us – Joe was unwavering in his commitment to the law.
It seems us boomers have a deep respect for road rules, especially when it comes to speed limits. They view them less as a maximum allowable speed and more as the absolute speed to maintain.
While this habit might make them the bane of impatient drivers, it’s also a clear sign of their discipline and respect for authority. So next time you’re stuck behind a slow-but-steady driver, chances are it’s a boomer playing it safe.
3) Hands at ten and two
Remember your first driving lessons when the instructor kept saying “keep your hands at ten and two”? Those instructions have stuck with boomers, and it’s become a signature part of their driving style.
The ‘ten and two’ position is a relic from the days when cars didn’t have power steering. By placing their hands on these spots on the steering wheel, drivers had better control over their vehicles.
However, with the advent of power steering and new research about airbag safety, the recommended hand position has shifted to ‘nine and three’ or even ‘eight and four’. But boomers, ever loyal to their early training, continue to hold on tight at ten and two.
This might seem insignificant to some, but to a keen observer, it’s a clear sign of a boomer behind the wheel. It’s also a testament to their generation’s commitment to rules and respect for tradition.
4) The love for classic tunes
Music is a powerful tool that can instantly transport us back to a different time and place. For boomers, that’s often the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and pop classics.
So when you’re at a stop light and hear the unmistakable strains of The Beatles, Elvis Presley or Motown hits blaring from the car next to you, chances are there’s a boomer behind the wheel.
Boomers’ music choices are more than just personal preference. They’re a reflection of the era they grew up in, an era that saw some of the most iconic music ever produced.
While their music might give away their age, it also provides a wonderful soundtrack for their journey on the open road.
5) Parking precision
I’ll admit it, parking has never been my strong suit. I’ve always marveled at how certain drivers can maneuver their cars into the tightest of spaces with ease and precision. Turns out, many of these parking pros are boomers.
Boomers often have a knack for parking that leaves the rest of us in awe. They’ll size up a spot, adjust their mirrors, and guide their vehicle into place with a finesse that’s nothing short of impressive.
There’s a reason for this skill. Boomers learned to drive at a time when cars were larger, parking spaces were smaller, and rearview cameras were the stuff of science fiction. They had no choice but to master the art of parking, and it’s a skill they’ve carried with them.
So next time you see a car parked perfectly in a tricky spot, take a closer look. You might just be witnessing boomer expertise in action.
6) The courtesy wave
In an age where road rage seems to be on the rise, there’s one driving habit that stands as a beacon of politeness – the courtesy wave. This simple gesture of raising a hand in thanks to another driver is practically a boomer trademark.
Whether it’s after being let into a busy lane, or a friendly acknowledgment to a pedestrian, boomers understand the power of acknowledgement and gratitude. This small act of civility on the road is something that their generation holds dear.
The courtesy wave is more than just good manners; it’s a testament to the boomer’s belief in common courtesy and respect for others, even in the impersonal setting of traffic.
So if you see a hand popping up from behind a steering wheel in thanks, you can bet there’s a boomer behind the wheel.
7) The love for classic cars
Boomers, including me, have a deep appreciation for classic cars that goes beyond mere nostalgia. To them, these vehicles represent a piece of history, a time when design and craftsmanship were paramount.
You’ll often see boomers cruising in vintage vehicles, lovingly maintained and polished to perfection. These cars are more than just modes of transportation; they’re time capsules on wheels, each one telling a unique story of the past.
This love for classic cars is a boomer trademark, one that instantly gives away their age. But more than that, it embodies their appreciation for tradition, quality, and the enduring beauty of a well-crafted machine.
The boomer way
At the heart of it all, these driving habits are more than just amusing idiosyncrasies. They’re glimpses into a generation that lived through some of the most transformative decades in history.
From navigating with paper maps to meticulously following speed limits, these habits reveal a generation that values self-reliance, discipline, and respect for tradition.
They also show us a group of people who embrace their age and experiences with pride, unafraid to stand out in a world that’s changing at breakneck speed.
Driving with boomers can be a journey into the past, a gentle reminder of simpler times when the open road was less congested, and courtesy wasn’t an exception but the rule.
So next time you spot a driver with his hands firmly at ten and two, or hear classic rock tunes wafting from the car next to you, take a moment to appreciate their unique style.
Because each time a boomer gets behind the wheel, they’re not just driving – they’re taking us on a nostalgic ride down memory lane.
After all, they’re not just giving away their age; they’re sharing their story, one mile at a time.
