Behind the wheel as an elderly driver

A new program is designed to put people in the driver's seat of an elderly person to see how age impacts driving.

Getting into the car is difficult. So is driving wearing a suit that makes legs feel heavy, hands feel arthritic and a neck brace limiting head movement.

The road isn't real. Neither is the online game that Liberty Mutual launched which allows players to experience limitations older folks may feel including poor eyesight.

"Simulate a little bit of cataracts along the edges to reduce your peripheral vision which is also one of the major difficulties senior drivers are facing," said Josh of Liberty Mutual.

The games are really targeted toward adult children who consider having their elderly parents give up the car keys and stay off the road.

"So families can have the conversation, they can do it the right way and ultimately come to a solution that is right for their family," said Greg Gordon of Liberty Mutual.

Car accidents, involving elderly drivers, often get media attention and renew calls that drivers, of a certain age, should be required to undergo screening.

In Connecticut, there is no required eye or skill test when an elderly person renews their drivers license. The senior lobbying group, AARP , said there is no magic age to determine a safe driver.

"People need to be screened, evaluated throughout their lives and driving," said Jennifer Millea of CT AARP. "It's everyones' responsibility to make sure safety is their first priority."

Elderly folks often make their own changes such as no longer driving at night and staying off major highways. A spokesman for the Department of Motor Vehicles said departments often receive letters from doctors, police officers or even hospital emergency rooms if there is a concern about an elderly driver.