When a kid in the U.S. first gets a driver’s license, the world opens up to them. Driving equals freedom, accompanied by responsibility, and making possession of those car keys the first step toward adulthood.

By now everyone has heard about the dangers of distracted driving. Teens are especially prone to texting and talking on the phone while driving, and it’s a habit that needs to be addressed the minute they get their license. Why? Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of fatal accidents caused by distracted driving. Using a cell phone while driving, even a hands-free phone, delays reaction time as much as being legally intoxicated does.

Adult drivers need to be just as vigilant. Distraction encompasses more than the newest technology. Eating or drinking at the wheel, putting on makeup, reading a map, even changing the radio station takes attention away from the road.

No one should take their driving skills for granted. Drivers over the age of 55 may want to periodically re-evaluate their ability behind the wheel. Vision, hearing, reflexes and flexibility can worsen in middle age, and all play an important role in driving safely. Experts suggest that older drivers adjust to these new physical realities, so that they can stay on the road for as long as possible.

Key steps to take to ensure safe driving:

• Get your eyes examined annually – About 85 to 95 percent of driving cues are visual. In addition to road signs and signals, a driver needs to assess what is happening around them. If corrective lenses are prescribed, use them.
• Avoid tinted windshields and keep windshields and headlights clean – Night vision worsens after age 40. The eye muscles are less elastic and the lens gets thicker and less clear. According to the American Automobile Association, a 60-year-old needs 10 times the amount of light as a 20-year-old.
• Check the effects of medications on driving – Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you are taking, as well as the effects of mixing prescribed medicine with any over-the-counter remedy you take.
• Consider a refresher course – Many groups, such as the Automobile Association of America and the American Association of Retired Persons, offer classes specifically for older drivers who need to adjust some of their driving habits.