Ideally, the older driver should assess his or her own performance. A crucial first step in owning up to behind-the-wheel safety, a self-assessment prompts the driver not only to recognize and correct possible shortcomings, but also to plan ahead for inevitable effects of aging. The assessment also helps the driver understand your concern.

The AAA Foundation's Drivers 65 Plus is a tool that allows drivers to assess their own performance. It provides specific safety suggestions based on the driver's answers to 15 questions.

AAA’s Roadwise Review is a computer-based self-assessment tool that measures the eight functional abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of collision risk among senior drivers. It is available on CD-ROM for a nominal fee or online at no charge to you.

The AAA Foundation also offers The Older and Wiser Driver as both a 12-page brochure and 22-minute video. Both versions include safety tips and information about what to expect with aging.

Looking out for Signs of Risky Behavior

You can ride along with a driver and look for signs of risky behind-the-wheel behavior. Here are some things to look for:

• Does the driver neglect to buckle up? Going unbelted might be a bad habit — or it may indicate a poor fit or trouble fastening a belt.
• Does the driver have difficulty working the pedals? A driver who lifts his or her leg to move from the accelerator to the brake, rather than keeping a heel on the floor and pressing with the toes, may be signaling waning strength.
• Does the driver have difficulty merging on freeways or turning onto busy streets? Vision problems may impair his or her ability to judge the speed and distance of approaching traffic.
• When merging, changing lanes or backing up, does the driver rely only on the mirrors, rather than turning fully to check the blind spots over his or her shoulder? Failing to do so may be a bad habit ― or may indicate the onset of stiffness in the neck and back.
• Does the driver have trouble seeing other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians, especially at night? Deteriorating night vision or sensitivity to glare may be the cause.
• Does the driver seem to ignore or "miss" stop signs and other traffic signals? Perhaps he or she is inattentive or cannot spot the signs in a crowded, constantly moving visual field.
• Does the driver react too slowly to sirens and flashing lights of emergency vehicles?
• Does the driver weave, straddle lanes, drift into other lanes, or change lanes without signaling?
• Does the driver position the car improperly for turns (especially left turns), or attempt turns from the wrong lane?
• Do other drivers honk or pass frequently, even when the traffic stream is moving relatively slowly? This may indicate difficulty keeping pace with fast-changing conditions.
• Does the driver tend to park far from his or her destination? A problem judging distances or making tight maneuvers may underlie the fear of closer parking spots.
• Does the driver get lost or disoriented easily, even in familiar places?
• Do you find yourself giving directions or prompting the driver frequently?
• Has the driver been issued two or more traffic tickets or warnings in the past two years? Tickets can predict greatest risk for collision.
• Has the driver been involved in two or more collisions or "near-misses" in the past two years? Rear-enders, parking lot fender-benders, and side collisions while turning across traffic rank as the most common mishaps for drivers with diminishing skills, depth perception, or reaction time.