Safe driving tips for older drivers

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's a tough decision you or any family member can make -- when is it time to take the keys away from an older driver? Can they still drive safely? The web has a few helpful suggestions.

You may only think about AAA when you're planning a trip or need road service, but they are also interested in driver safety, and they have a dedicated site titled Senior Driving , about "helping seniors drive safer and longer."

The most common factors in crashes involving what AAA terms "mature drivers" are:

• Failure to yield right–of–way
• Improper left turns
• Confusion in heavy traffic
• Inattention
• Complications while backing up
• Hesitation in responding to new traffic signs, signals or pavement markings

They offer a "Self-Rating Tool" to help drivers examine their driving ability. The 15-question exam asks older drivers questions about how often they wear a seat belt, and whether traffic situations make them angry. When the score is totaled up it tells whether the answers indicate the driver "might pose a hazard to yourself and others."

When it is time to stop driving? AARP , the advocacy group for people over 50, has a list of warning signs including:

• Almost crashing, with frequent "close calls"
• Getting lost, especially in familiar locations
• Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving

On YouTube they have a video that details several steps to determine whether the driver and their vehicle have the proper fit. AARP checks whether drivers can see over the steering wheel and can see all the dashboard displays, are they sitting the right distance away from the wheel, and are they using seat belts all the time. The video is below.

If you're a caregiver, AARP has questions to ask older drivers about their driving, such as:  

• Can he/she turn their head easily to check for traffic in other lanes?
• Can he/she quickly move his foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal?
• Has he/she had any near misses while driving, gotten lost or had any difficulty seeing signs?  

Vision problems are also a high level of concern for older drivers. Not being able to see road signs as clearly or changes in color perception are some common vision changes that can affect drivers, according to The American Optometric Association . They suggest older drivers reduce speed and limit themselves to daytime driving, and use extra caution at intersections.

In Connecticut, drivers age 65 and older and request a license renewal of only two years , rather than four or six years for other drivers.