Dear Reverend,
How do I convince my tech-averse spouse to use the advanced tools available while driving? I don’t think they’re a particularly good driver, and not using the lane-assist technology, crash avoidance system and cruise control makes this even clearer. I feel like these tools make me a better driver and make us all safer.
Henry Ford (man, 51)
Dear Henry Ford,
I have never owned a brand-new or particularly fancy car. Whenever I drive a loaner with a backup camera, I still crank my head around to see what’s going on behind me with my own two eyes. It’s not that I don’t trust the technology, but I’ve been driving for close to four decades, and that’s how I’ve always done it. I am the proverbial old dog.
My current car has cruise control, but I’ve never used it — partially because I don’t do much highway driving but mainly because I don’t know how it works. Nobody ever taught me, and I’ve never taken the time to learn.
Whether your spouse is stuck in their old habits or generally clueless like me, the best way to get them to use all the bells and whistles of a car is to give them a good old-fashioned lesson.
If you haven’t already told your spouse that you think they’re a bad driver, you probably shouldn’t. Negative criticism doesn’t make anybody feel good or open to learning new things. Take the approach of wanting to show them all the cool stuff the car can do, and make it fun.
Most tech-averse people quickly change their tune when they learn how that technology can make their lives easier or better — especially when they have an understanding and kind teacher to get them up to speed.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in May 6 • 2026.
