AUTO-RELATED ACCIDENTS--are the most common cause of accidental death among the 65 to 74 age group, and the second most common cause among older persons in general. Today, drivers 65 and older have higher crash rates per mile than all other groups except teenagers. Your ability to drive may be impaired by such age-related changes as:

• increased sensitivity to glare,
  
• poorer adaptation to dark,
  
• diminished coordination,
  
• slower reaction time,
  
• physical changes in your hearing and eyesight, other sensory impairments,
  
• and denial of illness that can translate into fender-benders and catastrophes.

But while we're losing our youth, we're still wild about our wheels. As long as our physical and visual capabilities permit, we can continue to drive. Just because you have a driver's license doesn't always mean you are able to or should be driving. For your safety and that of others, as you get older you will need to pay special attention to your limitations. New laws aimed at older drivers are calling for mandatory in-person license renewal, reexamination for degenerative medical conditions, impairment revocation of licenses, and driving restrictions to specified areas. Here are some tips to compensate for your limitations:

• CHANGE YOUR DRIVING HABITS--If you're at all uneasy on the road, think about changing how, when, and where you drive. Try driving fewer miles, less often, and more slowly. Plan your trips more carefully by calling ahead. Drive less at night, during rush hours, and in the winter.

• CONSIDER A REFRESHER COURSE-- In many communities, organizations offer driver education courses for older people. The 55 Alive/Mature Driving program, created by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), is designed to help people over 50 to improve their driving skills and prevent traffic accidents. Two 4-hour classes emphasize safety on the road and promote awareness of the physical changes that occur around the age of 55. Even if you're a good driver, a course can teach you defensive driving habits and ways to protect yourself from others who are not as careful on the road. If you take the course ask your insurance company for a 5% discount--some give it.

• WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT--when riding in a car to prevent a crippling injury or death in the event of a crash. Older drivers have fewer accidents per mile driven, but they are more likely to be injured or killed due to more fragile bones and a reduced ability to withstand the trauma of an accident. Safety belts distribute the full force of the impact across the strongest parts of your body, help prevent you from hitting the steering wheel, the windows, or the dash, and help to keep you from being thrown from the vehicle. Avoid excessive slack in the belt and position it over the shoulder, across the chest, and low on the lap. And remember, in 40 states it is not only a good idea to use safety belts, it is the law.

• CHECK YOUR EYESIGHT AND HEARING -- Physical changes in eyesight and hearing occur as we get older and can affect our driving ability. Over one third of all older persons experience hearing loss that make it more difficult to hear in busy traffic. Many different visual problems can occur such as:
  • You may become more sensitive to glare, and adapt more slowly to darkness.
    
  • You may have more difficulty changing focus from distant to near objects and vice versa.
    
  • You may need more light to see well.
    
  • You may be more susceptible to headlight glare and bright sunlight.
    
  • Your reaction time will slow.
    
  • Your ability to see to the side while looking ahead (peripheral awareness) may diminish.
    
  • Your ability to quickly and accurately distinguish colors may diminish. It makes a major difference at a traffic light.
    
  • You may experience a decrease in sharpness of vision under certain lighting conditions.

1. Have proper glasses for day and night driving (there may be a difference).
   
2. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses for night driving.
   
3. In sunlight, wear good quality sunglasses.
   
4. Avoid driving at dusk or at night.
   
5. Keep glasses clean.
   
6. Avoid frames with wide side (temple) pieces, as they block side vision.
   
7. Get the big picture when driving. Watch the road ahead and check either side for vehicles, children, animals, or hazards. Keep your head and eyes moving. Glance frequently in the rearview mirror and at the instrument panel.
   
8. Keep pace with average traffic flow.
   
9. Choose a car with a clear windshield. A tinted one can reduce the amount of light entering the eye. It is better to have a clear windshield and wear good sunglasses in bright sunlight.
   
10. Keep headlights properly adjusted.
    
11. Keep headlights, taillights, and windshield (both inside and out) clean as well as side windows.

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION--If you ride on a bus or street car:

• Remain alert and brace yourself when a bus is slowing down or turning.
  
• Watch for slippery pavement and other hazards when entering or leaving a vehicle.
  
• Have fare ready to prevent losing your balance while fumbling for change.
  
• Do not carry too many packages, and leave one hand free to grasp railings.
  
• Allow extra time to cross streets, especially in bad weather.
  
• At night wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing and carry a flashlight.