New Driver Safety Laws

Are you, or is a loved one safe behind the wheel? Here are some options and resources.

• Develop a driving retirement plan, suggests AARP's Lori Cohen. "Map out alternatives for getting around to your regular activities. Then test the plan to see if it works before you need to implement it
• Consider ITN America, which allows older adults to pre-pay for transportation in private vehicles whenever and wherever they want. Members can even donate their car to the system and receive ride credits in exchange. To date it operates in 10 cities.
• Check you driving abilities using AAA Roadwise Review. This screening tool developed by AAA lets drivers measure everything from leg strength and head flexibility to memory and field of view. It comes on CD-ROM and is available through local AAA clubs.
• The Hartford publishes a downloadable Family Conversations with Older Drivers brochure that helps readers analyze older driver safety.
• AARP.org lists a number of tools available to older drivers, including online driver’s safety courses, simple driving quizzes, and information on CarFit, a nationwide program that allows trained technicians to analyze how well you "fit" the car you drive.
• Learn how to get around your community without  a car using our state-by-state transportation guide.
• 'We Need to Talk' seminars teach the dos and don'ts of talking to your parents about possibly giving up the car keys.