In 2007 in the state of Texas, USA Today reports about an accident that claimed the life of a 17-year-old teenager as an elderly woman drove through a red light and crashed into her. Allegedly, before the elderly woman had driven into the teenager, her neighbor reported that she had backed out of her driveway, over her lawn and then over the curb. This neighbor then reported that she took off so fast that it seemed as if she had confused her accelerator and brake pedal. Statistics show that those who are over 65 have a much greater risk of being a party in a vehicle crash and are usually involved in crashes with more than one vehicle involved. Due to the death of the 17-year-old girl in Texas, the legislature proposed a bill to give drivers 79 years or older more vision tests or exams. Statistics show that after 65-year-old drivers are more prone to getting into accidents. Therefore, if you are an older driver here are some tips to consider thinking about:

• Be aware that aging could affect your driving capabilities.
• Stay informed about what aging signs could mean for driving.
• Be extremely cautious when driving.
• If necessary, try to adjust to life without a car.

USA Today reports that it is really hard for older drivers to think of not driving since it means an end to independence. It is said that older drivers are more prone to getting into car accidents rather than younger drivers. Both Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report that for every 100 million miles driven, there are three teenage deaths. Elderly people, on the other hand, have a rate of four times more than teenage drivers. Some reasons for this could be the possibility that senior citizens tend to become more cautious on the road. It is also reported that there may be three reasons why older driver vehicle crash statistics are so high:

• A lapse of discernment in making left hand turns.
• Driving slowly in high speed traffic lanes.
• Decreased ability to react speedily for situational hazards.

The NHTSA also reports that changes in older drivers tend to happen through their vision, depth, perception and visual attention. Other factors that may be involved in unsafe elderly driving behaviors include working memory, attention-switching, divided attention, dementia, reaction times, motor responses, and physical risk factors. It is usually reported that older drivers are involved in right-angle crashes more than any other age group. The NHTSA also reports that they are also more likely to be involved in crashes that have more "complicated maneuvers." Also, reported by the NHTSA in a study given by their Fatal Accident Reporting System, it was allegedly found out that senior citizens were:

• Five percent of people that were injured in car accidents;
• Thirteen percent of all traffic-related deaths; and
• Eighteen percent of all pedestrian deaths

The NHTSA also found that in 1997, older people made up about nine percent of the population though they were involved in fourteen percent of traffic deaths. Due to the collection of the recent overwhelming statistics, legislation recently passed and authorized the NHTSA to spend $1,700,000 each year from 2006 to 2009 on driving measures for the elderly. This plan includes giving information to influential individuals in the elderly community, changing the process of licensing decisions, accessing these programs to see if they are beneficial and investigating potential programs that would restrain older drivers. Through these measures there are hopes that the road will be a safer place for all drivers. If you or a loved one are above the age of 65, don't wait for an accident to be more informed about what you can do for protection; consider these options today for a safer tomorrow.