AARP class graduate Mullis says the course refreshed her memory on traffic laws and made her think about safe driving strategies in a new way. As we age, our bodies change in ways that affect driving ability. After age 50, the pupils let in about 50 percent less light than they did at age 30. This makes night driving more hazardous. Peripheral vision and depth perception also decrease with age, making it harder to judge speed and distance of approaching cars.
Eyes also become more sensitive to glare.
Stiffness makes it harder to look over each shoulder to check blind spots before passing or changing lanes. As the body shrinks, drivers may no longer be able to see over the steering wheel. Sitting on a pillow can help drivers sit high enough so shoulders are in line with the top of the steering wheel. Exercise to increase neck and back flexibility, which you need to look in mirrors and turn around while backing up. Be sure you have a mirror on each side of your vehicle.