Take Precautions

• Drive less after dark, during rush hour, or in bad weather.
• Avoid difficult roads or intersections.
• Never talk or text on a cell phone.
• Recognize and avoid situations where your limitations put you at risk.
• Look for easy-in, easy-out parking.
• Choose routes with good lighting.
• Know your route before you leave! Study a map BEFORE you go.

Keep Yourself in Driving Shape

• Schedule regular eye exams in which the eye doctor checks specifically for glare sensitivity, loss of peripheral vision and poor night vision.
• Schedule regular physical exams in which your doctor assesses your decision making skills, reaction time, muscle strength, and joint flexibility.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to evaluate how your medications might affect your driving.
• Engage in regular exercises, in consultation with a physician who can suggest exercises to maintain strength, flexibility and general well-being.

Keep Your Car in Driving Shape

• Keep windows clean, inside and out. Vapor builds up on the inside and makes it hard to see.
• Keep headlight lenses clean.
• Keep your car maintained so it doesn't break down.

Choose the Right Car or Adjust the One You Have

• Height adjustable seats so that you have a good line of vision
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Height adjustable safety belt anchors
• Power steering
• Glare proof mirrors
• Push button controls and levers
• Legible instruments that are easy to read in any light
• Good visibility lines. Avoid wide roof pillars (creates blind spots), high reardeck lids or aerodynamic spoilers (blocks sight lines when backing up).

Take a Mature Driver Course - Don’t Knock It; These are a Great Thing!

There are AARP Driver Safety Programs at many senior centers in Orange County. Visit the AARP website to locate one near you. These courses are GREAT because they help you adapt to physical changes that are making you feel less comfortable behind the wheel. Both AARP and AAA offer online mature driving safety programs also. The AARP website is www.aarp.org. The AAA website is www.calif.aaa.com.