DRIVING : Rules of the Road for Elderly Drivers

As America’s senior population continues to grow, so does a sad fact of death: Drivers 65 and older are involved in more fatal accidents than all other motorists except teen-agers.

By 70, adds the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the elderly overtake the teens, and their risk of dying in traffic accidents becomes three to four times greater than for any other age group.

Several states--but not California--have introduced medical tests and restricted licenses for senior motorists. Some cities take the gentler approach of installing larger, easier-to-read street signs and wider parking spaces.

Writing in AutoWeek magazine, columnist Denise McCluggage, suggests some rules for shielding grayer drivers:

* Monitor their vision checkups and follow through with updated eyeglass prescriptions.

* Involve them with senior driver refresher courses sponsored by the Automobile Assn. of America and the American Assn. of Retired Persons.

* See that they do not drive after dark or in bad weather, unless it is unavoidable.

* No driving if on medication that might affect vision or mental sharpness.

* No driving in high-stress traffic at rush hour, on freeways or clogged downtown areas.

* If there are no filter arrows protecting an intersection, reduce the risk from left turns by making a series of right turns to get pointed in the correct direction.

It is important to note that these are only suggestions. Ninety or not, the driver is still your parent.