Do you have trouble…

• Reading signs easily?
• Recognizing someone you know from across the street?
• Seeing street markings, other cars, and people walking—especially at dawn, dusk and at night?
• Handling headlight glare at night?

If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should…

• Make sure you always wear your glasses and that the prescription is current.
• Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean.
• Make sure that your headlights are working and aimed correctly.
• Sit high enough in your seat so you can see the road at least 10 feet in front of your vehicle.
• If you are 60 or older, see an eye doctor every year.

Loss of strength, coordination and flexibility can make it hard to control your vehicle.

Do you have trouble…

• Looking over your shoulder to change lanes?
• Moving your foot from the gas to the brake pedal?
• Turning the steering wheel?
• Noticing stopped emergency vehicles?
• Walking less than a block a day?
• Going up or down stairs because you have pain in your knees, legs or ankles?

If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should…

• Check with your doctor about physical/occupational therapy, medicine, stretching exercises, or a walking or fitness program.
• Know that an automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and other special equipment can make it easier for you to drive your vehicle and use the foot pedals.
• Reduce your driver’s side blind spot by moving your mirrors.
• Consider finding reliable alternative transportation options, i.e., public transportation or ride sharing services.

Do you…

• Feel confused by traffic signs, and people and cars in traffic?
• Take medicine that makes you sleepy?
• Get dizzy, or have seizures or losses of consciousness?
• React slowly to normal driving situations?

If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should stop driving until the condition has been addressed** and you have developed a plan to drive safely or to use an alternate means of transportation. If you return to driving, please consider...

• Asking your doctor if your health or side effects from your medicine can affect your driving.
• Taking routes that you know.
• Trying to drive during the day (avoid rush hour).
• Keeping a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• Always scanning the road while you are driving so that you are ready for any problems and can plan your actions.

**No one who answers yes to any of these questions should drive, as they pose a risk to themselves and to other road users. 

Sometimes other people notice things about your driving that you might have missed. Have people you know and trust said they were concerned about your driving?

If so, consider the following…​

• Talk with your doctor. Ask him or her to check the side effects of any medicines you are taking.
• Try walking, carpooling, public transit, and other forms of transportation.

If you drive with others in the car, especially children or young adults, you carry an extra responsibility.

When used the correct way, car seats, booster seats and seat belts offer the best protection for children and adults who are traveling in motor vehicles. All 50 States, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, require that children be properly secured in a car seat or seat belt, as appropriate for their age and size. Most States also require that motorists and adult passengers be properly buckled in a seat belt.

Although the vehicle owner's manual and car seat instructions will provide the best information, the following recommendations will help you make sure the young people in your car are traveling safely. And don’t forget, the back seat is the safest place for all children under 13 to ride.

• Birth to 12 Months – Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.
• 1 to 3 Years – Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
• 4 to 7 Years – Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
• 8 to 12 Years – Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it’s safer there.

To have your car seat inspected by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, find a Car Seat Inspection station.

For many older adults, driving is a sign of independence. While most people want to keep driving for as long as they can, no one wants to be a threat to themselves or to others because they are no longer able to drive safely. Self-awareness, both physical and mental; regular checkups with your primary care provider and eye exams are the keys to preserving independence and to continue driving safely.

Don’t forget:

When you are driving or riding in a car, always wear your seat belt. Make sure that every person who is riding with you is also buckled up.