Take a look behind the wheels of many cars and you’re sure to find that a good portion is mature drivers.

As the baby boomer population ages, the percentage of seniors on the road is sure to increase even more.

Thanks to several recent medical breakthroughs, seniors are enjoying longer, more independent and productive live — and continuing to drive.

Driving means independence, and people who have driven for most of their lives want to keep that independence as long as possible, especially in suburban and rural areas where driving is the only way to get around.

However, despite modern medicine, certain conditions such as hearing loss, reduced reaction time and impaired vision can make driving as an older adult more difficult.

Here are some tips from the Canada Safety Council.

-Get regular vision and hearing exams. If needed, wear eyeglasses and/or hearing aids.

-Some medications can affect driving or abilities. Be aware of any side effects.

-Leave space cushions to the sides and behind the car.

-When planning trips, choose familiar routes and avoid dense traffic.

-Background noise should be kept at a minimum. Adjust radio volume, air conditioning and heater blowing units to their lowest settings. Avoid using a cell phone in the car.