Age has nothing to do with individual driving skills. People can be good drivers or bad drivers at any age.

Young drivers tend to have the worst driving records. Experienced, and middle aged drivers are most likely to have the best driving records.

The older and wiser driver is safe and generally makes adjustments for their abilities and limitations.

Most people do not realize that older drivers have fewer accidents than any other age group. However, the number of accidents per mile driven goes up around the age of 60, and gets much higher after 75.

The older driver doesn’t cause accidents. Many of the older adults take medicines and have conditions that increase the risk of unsafe driving. Some of the conditions that increase the risk of unsafe driving include Alzheimer’s, vision problems, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and diabetes.

What are some of the signs of unsafe driving?

• Stopping at a green light.

• Stopping when there is no stop sign.

• Stopping in the middle of intersections.

• Mistaking the gas pedal for the brake pedal.

• Finding traffic signs and signals confusing.

• Running stop signs and red lights and not realizing it.

• Nearly hitting cars, people or objects and not realizing it.

• Getting lost in familiar places.

• Changing lanes without looking or signaling.

What can seniors do to be safer drivers?

Although the risk of crashes and crash related injuries usually go up as people age, here are actions that can be taken at any age to drive more safely.

• Avoid driving at night, in heavy traffic, and on unfamiliar roads.

• Know the rules of the road.

• Taking a safe driving class geared to senior citizens.

• Work with rehabilitation specialists.

Who can help figure out if driving skills are a problem?

Rehabilitation centers, vocational rehabilitation centers and Veterans Affairs centers usually provide the best driving evaluations. Driving schools may also help, but remember they are not trained to diagnose medical problems. State licensing agencies also give driving evaluations.

What can I do to become a better driver as I continue to age?

Take a driver improvement class sponsored by Seniors For Safe Driving.

When you take a driver improvement program through Seniors For Safe Driving, you will receive a double benefit: Not only will you become a safer driver, you will receive a 5 percent reduction on your automobile insurance premium for a period of three years. This discount is mandated by Pennsylvania state law.

To locate classes in your area or to take a class online in your own home, call 800-559-4880.

If you would like to take the class online, you can gain access to class at www.sfsd-pa.com.

Leo R. Parisi is with Seniors For Safe Driving LLC.