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This is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, according to AAA, and with elderly people the fastest-growing part of the American population, making sure to stay informed about their risks behind the wheel is a good idea.

The group cites figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing seniors have the highest per-mile crash rate of any age group except for teenagers. This is due to two primary factors, experts say. First, vision degradation makes some older drivers less able to see potential hazards. As well, physical difficulties can make it tough for some elderly motorists to operate their cars as smoothly as they used to.

AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris says these safety concerns affect more and more people as the population ages.

“The issue of keeping older drivers safe while continuing to drive touches millions of families. This is an opportunity to start a conversation about safe mobility with a senior family member and evaluate any real and perceived challenges associated with driving and aging,” she said.

AAA does note, however, that such conversations with aging family members can be tricky. The perceived loss of mobility and independence can produce what the company calls “strong emotional reactions” from some seniors.

However, AAA says families should view these conversations as an opportunity to cover difficult topics with loved ones. Additionally, the company provides numerous tools to help assess whether an older driver ought to get behind the wheel, as well as driving courses to help them stay there.

Beyond training and assessment, AAA also says it offers auto insurance discounts to older Americans who complete some of its courses. This can be important, given the higher rates the elderly are generally expected to pay for their coverage.