Independence: How to keep driving

Seniors are undeniably better drivers — even up to age 85 — than teenagers, but seniors also face unique problems with driving as they age.

Since seniors are less likely to drive drunk or text while driving, and more likely to obey speed limits, they crash less often than teens, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

But seniors who want to maintain driving skills past age 75 should consider the following issues:

* Flexibility. Drivers must rotate their necks and bodies to drive safely. Since flexibility tends to decline with age, working on stretching and rotation, especially of the neck, can help, according to Consumer Reports.

* Response speed. Strength programs can help with response and cardiovascular exercise can help with staying mentally sharp.

* Vision. Seniors should put special emphasis on vision screening as they age. Since people tend to think they see better than they do, a screening is essential for continuing vision correction.

* Bad habits. A 2010 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older drivers commit a greater number of small errors, such as failing to signal, and major errors, such as failing to stop at a red light. In some cases, seniors could benefit from a driving refresher course. Driving rehabilitation specialists can evaluate, test and correct driving habits.