Everyone ages, but growing older doesn't have to mean giving up an active life.

Here are some suggestions about how to cope as an active senior driver:

Vision:

We know that our eyes change with age

• Get regular eye exams
• Limit driving to daytime hours if you have trouble with night vision
• Turn your head to the left and right frequently to compensate for a loss of peripheral vision
• Keep headlights, windshield and mirrors clean
• Consider installing a larger rearview mirror to increase your range of visibility

Alertness:

We know that we react more slowly as we age

• Leave more room in front of the car
• Eliminate distractions such as a loud radio
• Plan your route ahead of time
• Use side roads if the freeway feels too fast-moving
• Check to see if your medications can cause drowsiness