As we age, mundane tasks become more difficult and often need some adjustments. One such activity is that of driving. While many seniors enjoy the freedom of driving until late in their lives, it would be wise for every senior to take time to evaluate their driving as they grow older.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that senior drivers are at added risk for injury while driving. Consider a few facts from the CDC: drivers age 80 and older have higher crash death rates per mile driven than all but teen drivers; most traffic fatalities involving older drivers occurred during the daytime (79%) and on weekdays (73%); older drivers who are injured in motor vehicle crashes are more likely than younger drivers to die from their injuries.

Your speed of reaction may not be the same as it used to be, but that doesn't mean you have to give up driving. You simply must take extra precautions to make sure you arrive safely to your destination. Think about the following safety tips and consider your personal driving safety.

Stay physically active. Driving safety can be improved away from the roadways. Remaining physically active improves your strength, coordination, flexibility, and reactions.

Manage health issues. Conditions such as low blood sugar, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure can affect your driving. Manage such health problems and be sure to follow any doctor's advice or prescriptions.

Schedule regular tests. Probably no other test is overlooked as we age like the hearing and eye test. But as you continue driving, regularly checking your eyesight and hearing is crucial to your safety.

Adjust to physical problems. Be aware of your physical limitations and adjust to them. For example, if arthritis is a problem for you, purchase a steering wheel grip for convenience.

Drive under good conditions. Most drivers struggle with driving at night or in hazardous weather conditions. The likelihood of an accident increases even more when seniors drive in these conditions. Plan your trips and be sure to either finish your trip before dark/bad weather or have someone drive you during such conditions.

The best way to keep yourself safe while driving is to honestly assess your driving abilities. Can you honestly say you are able to safely drive? Ask loved ones if they believe you are still able to drive. If not, do not be discouraged but find other options for transportation such as the bus, a friend, or family members. Make safety your priority when considering driving.

Antelope Valley estate planning law firm Thompson Von Tungeln (TVT) offers sophisticated estate planning and administration for the affluent, discriminating client. As Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, partners Mark E. Thompson and Kevin L. Von Tungeln are expertly equipped to serve these clients with the creative, effective and custom solutions they demand. For more information, contact TVT at (661) 426-2499 or visit their websites at www.EstatePlanningSpecialists.com and www.Medi-CalHelp.com.