Test your driving ability

The American Automobile Association asks drivers who are 55 plus to respond to fifteen questions with always or most of the time, sometimes, or never or almost never. If you are over 55, take this quiz and consider the tips that follow each question.

1. I signal and check to the rear when I change lanes.

Always is the only acceptable answer. If looking over your shoulder is a problem, drive with a partner to act as co-pilot. Use extra wide rear view mirrors.

2. I wear a seat belt.

Seat belts are the law. One half of traffic fatalities could have been lessened to injuries if people wore them.

3. I try to stay informed on changes in driving and highway regulations.

Contact your state’s motor vehicle administration to obtain the current driver’s license manual and study it.

4. Intersections bother me because there is so much to watch from all directions.

Try studying difficult intersections on foot to watch the problems other drivers handle. Plan trips that avoid busy intersections.

5. I find it difficult to decide when to join traffic on a busy interstate highway.

Take a refresher course or have another experienced driver with you to make suggestions. Use parallel routes.

6. I think I am slower than I used to be in reacting to dangerous driving situations.

See an occupational therapist and have your physical and mental driving skills evaluated. Stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Avoid driving if you have been drinking, are ill, tired or have taken any drug that slows down your responses.

7. When I am really upset, I show it in my driving.

Delay driving until you calm down. Awareness is the first step towards controlling emotion. Find a healthy way to handle stress by walking, exercising or talking to a friend or professional.

8. My thoughts wander when I am driving.

Treat driving as a complicated task requiring your full attention. Remove distractions.

9. Traffic situations make me angry. Choose to be a responsible driver. Anger will get you nowhere. Try to avoid the kind of traffic that is likely to generate anger.

10. I get regular eye checks to keep my vision at its sharpest.

Between the ages of 40 and 60, our night vision becomes progressively worse. A 60-year-old must have 10 times the light required by a 20-year-old. Keep eyeglasses up to date. Accept the limits of aging eyes.

11. I check with my doctor or pharmacist about the effects of my medications on driving ability.

Side effects must be known. Make sure your physician and pharmacist are aware of all the drugs you are taking. Read all labels and instructions.

12. I try to stay abreast of current information on health practices and habits.

Learn about the relationship between good health practices and driving safety. Take control of your lifestyle and health habits. Understand the value of nutrition.

13. My children, other family members or friends are concerned about my driving ability.

Be open to comments about those who are concerned. Try to be honest with yourself. Begin to prepare for the day when driving will no longer be possible.

Answer the following questions with none, one or two, three or more

14. How many traffic tickets, warnings or discussions with officers have you had in the past two years?

Use the citation or ticket as a warning sign.

15. How many accidents have you had during the past two years?

One collision is a sign that others may be on the way. Enroll in a driver’s safety course.