While age doesn’t make someone a bad driver it does bring about the physical changes such as reduced vision, reaction time, hearing and range of motion that can make driving more difficult. But, what makes this a more complicated problem is these changes usually happen so slowly, most people don’t recognize them until they’re faced with a quick driving decision that they can’t react to anymore.

To help you tune up your driving skills here are some tips and resources that can keep you driving longer and safer.

• Get an eye exam: This is step number one because about 90 percent of the information necessary to drive we receive through our eyes, and we all know our eyesight deteriorates with age. All drivers over age 65 should have annual eye exams to stay on top of potential problems.

• Check the ears too: One-third of people over age 60 suffer from hearing loss, especially to high-pitched tones, such as sirens, horns and railroad warnings. It’s wise to get a hearing test by an audiologist every two or three years.

• Take a driver-safety course: AAA and AARP offer refresher courses and you don’t have to be a member to sign up. The courses explain how aging can affect one’s driving and suggest adjustments. Taking a class may also earn you a discount on your auto insurance. To locate a nearby class contact your local AAA (www.aaa.com) or AARP (www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety; 888-227-7669). AARP’s class can be taken in the classroom or online.

• Get a driving evaluation: If you feel you could use some extra help get a professional assessment done by a driver rehabilitation specialist. They will evaluate your driving ability testing for things like reaction time, decision-making skills, how well you and your car fit together and more, pinpointing trouble areas and offering solutions. These assessments can cost several hundred dollars. To locate a specialist, visit www.aota.org/olderdriver or www.driver-ed.org.

• Make some adjustments: Recognizing your weaknesses and adapting your driving habits to compensate for them can go a long way in helping you stay safe. Some common adjustments include not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic, avoiding major highways or other busy roads or just cutting back on how often you drive, and not driving in poor weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow or ice.

• Check your meds: Certain drugs can interfere with driving by making the driver drowsy, dizzy or distracted. Some of the worst offenders include tranquilizers, pain pills, sleep medicines, antidepressants, cough medicines, antihistamines, and decongestants. If you’re taking medicine, be sure you knows the possible side effects and don’t drive if you’re taking them.

• Get an auto check-up: Is your vehicle safe? You should have your tires checked for correct pressure, be sure all the lights and signals are working properly and keep your windows clean.

• Tap into resources: The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has some excellent free publications including “Drivers 55 Plus: Check Your Own Performance” and “How to Help an Older Driver” that you can get at www.aaafoundation.org or 800-305-7233. Also visit www.seniordrivers.org and click on “Roadwise Review” for information about obtaining the CD-ROM ($15) self-assessment tool that helps seniors check their own driving abilities.