Fortunately, there are steps that seniors can take to enable them to continue driving safely well into their golden years. Read on to find out more.

How Does Age Affect Your Driving?

Everyone will reach a point where they probably shouldn't be driving anymore, but there is no set age when it's time to hang up the keys. Different people age at different paces, and there are many seniors who are still as sharp as a tack and capable of getting behind the wheel safely, even into their 90s.

However, statistics show that older drivers are more frequently involved in accidents and are more likely to receive traffic citations. Decreased quality of vision, slower reflexes, and declining health can all cause problems for us on the road as we age. These impairments lead to poor coordination, decreased reaction time, and a loss of strength and flexibility—all of which have a negative impact on driving.

The ability for seniors to drive safely should be assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis. If you're a senior who has had a great driving record, it's important to realize that even the best drivers get older, and lose some of the abilities they once had. So don't be afraid to acknowledge that your driving skills have suffered a bit over the years. Also, don't take it personally if a loved one has a frank discussion with you about safe driving—they only have your best interests in mind.

Safety Tips for Older Drivers

Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you can't drive safely—you just might have to make some changes to your habits/routines. For instance, you can adjust the way you drive, equip your car with the latest in safety technology, and stay on top of your health (including getting plenty of rest).

Here are some things to consider to help make driving easier and safer:

Slow down. You may have had a lead foot back in the day, but maybe it's time to slow down a bit.

Make sure your vision is as sharp as possible. Your eyesight may have been 20/20 in the past, but it doesn't hurt to make sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date.

Clean your car’s headlights. Your car probably had excellent headlights when you first bought it, but maybe now they're cloudy and dark and in need of cleaning or replacement.

Technology for Safe Driving

These days, cars come standard with many features that make driving vastly safer for all drivers, and even if a car is a bit dated, aftermarket technology can quickly make a vehicle feel modern. Seniors can take advantage of this impressive auto technology to continue driving safely.

Some prominent organizations in the automotive industry make safe senior driving a top priority. "Helping seniors remain mobile with new technologies and a good car fit is important for quality of life," says Michael Green, a spokesman for AAA. "Older Americans who have stopped driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care facility compared to those who remain behind the wheel."

There are a number of pieces of technology that can help seniors, but three of the most popular ones are:

Keyless Entry and Push Start

Keyless entry systems aren't only convenient; they play a role in starting the vehicle too. With cars that are equipped with a push-button start, the vehicle typically will not start unless the key fob is inside the vehicle with the driver. The car will only start if the driver pushes down on the brake while pressing the ignition button. When the drive is over, most cars with this type of system will only shut off if the vehicle is in park and the brake is pressed down. This is an important safety feature, as elderly drivers are reminded to safely put their vehicle in park before they are able to shut off and exit the car.

Rearview Camera

Backing up is often a difficult task for drivers of any age, let alone seniors. Most new cars now come with a rearview camera as a standard feature, and starting in 2018, this convenient safety feature will be mandatory. Backup cameras allow drivers to see what hazards are behind them and allow for easy and safe backup without the worry of hitting an obstacle. Even if you have an older vehicle without a backup camera, you can easily purchase an aftermarket camera and have it installed.

Crash-Mitigation Technology

Some crashes are impossible to prevent, but many accidents due to driver error are now avoidable thanks to modern vehicle technology. Things like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping systems, and pre-collision warnings are all popular features on newer vehicles. Seniors in particular can benefit from these safety features.

Address Age’s Impact on Driving

Driving gets more dangerous and more difficult with age due to our declining abilities. It might be tough to admit it, but it's an unfortunate part of aging that happens to all drivers eventually.

But some of the problems that older drivers deal with can be mitigated if handled properly. From staying on top of your health to incorporating the latest in cutting-edge vehicle technology into your car, you can stay safer on the road as you grow older. If you're an aging driver or if you have a loved one in your life who is getting older, don't be afraid to address the issue.