Most people see a doctor annually for a checkup of their physical health and well-being. They also take their vehicle to a mechanic for regular checkups and maintenance. People faithfully deal with these well-known checkups, but when was the last time you heard of someone voluntarily seeing a professional to get a checkup on his or her driving skills?

While most older drivers may be good drivers, the physical changes associated with aging can ultimately affect our ability to drive safely. This issue is getting special attention from safety experts because the number of older people on the road is growing dramatically. There are more than 18 million licensed drivers over the age of 70 in the United States. Over the next 20 years that number will grow to more than 30 million, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Drivers over 65 are more likely than other adult drivers to be involved in car crashes per mile driven and, due to physical frailty, are more likely to die as a result. As the number of older Americans who drive increases, there is an increased potential for more traffic crashes and fatalities. But if we talk now, and plan ahead, we can reduce the number of these unnecessary tragedies.

Let us look at programs in our region that encourage drivers to make appropriate choices as they grow older -- choices that maximize personal and community safety.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is using outreach activities combined with Web-based communication support, such as the Florida GrandDriver® campaign. Available online at www.granddriver.info , the program is designed to help prepare older drivers to "Get Around Safe and Sound." The campaign aims to educate older adult drivers and their family, friends and caregivers about the challenges many people face trying to stay connected to their communities as they age. Florida GrandDriver® provides information on various steps older drivers may take to maintain independence as long as possible, as well as actions they can take to stay mobile when they restrict or stop driving.

Another community-based program is the Florida Senior Safety Resource Center, at the Web site fssrc.phhp.ufl.edu. Funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office, the site exists as a resource for seniors, caregivers, families and communities.

Through an annual driver screening checkup, FSSRC clients have been able to keep abreast of changes and make appropriate adjustments to their driving. Some seniors make the decision to stop driving due to visual and medical problems; others explore ways to drive more safely, such as wearing corrective lenses or restricting driving times and routes. Later, when driving is no longer an option, older drivers need to have easy access to safe, reliable transportation. In these cases we talk with them and work out a plan to keep them as active as they wish to be. We often work out options such as carpooling.

The FSSRC also offers mobility counseling services to seniors. Through an individual assessment of transportation options, a mobility counselor weighs the individual's transportation needs against financial limitations and suggests the best option(s) available.

The ability to drive is much more than getting from one place to another. As we age, feelings of self-reliance do not wane, though our driving skills may. Safety is only one part of the issue. Independence, lifestyle and basic transportation needs are also important

The feeling of freedom and independence that come with the ability to drive are difficult to replace, but certainly not irreplaceable. If you, or a loved one, are beginning to experience difficulty driving, the Florida Senior Safety Resource Center may be able to assist.

Selma Sauls is with the Florida GrandDriver® Program, Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. Susan Samson is with the St. Petersburg Florida Senior Safety Resource Center/Getting-In-Gear Director, and Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.