While it's true drivers over the age of 55 have lower accident rates than teen-aged brand-new drivers -- perpetually the worse group of drivers -- it's also true that the older group drives many fewer miles per year. That means the per-mile fatal accident rate is actually about the same, as are the rates per 100,000 people and per licensed driver.

In 1997, a total of 7,326 people 65 and older died in motor vehicle crashes -- up 3 percent from 1996 and 38 percent from 1975.

The death rate per 100,000 people begins to rise among 70-year-old men. By age 80, the death rate in twice the 70-74 year-old group and more than twice as high as the 40- to 70-year-old group. About half the accidents involving drivers over the age of 80 occur at intersections and involve another vehicle. For drivers under 50, the rate is about 23 percent. By age 85, the fatal accident rate is three times as high for male drivers than female drivers.

A percentage of the high fatality rate can be attributed to an older person's physiology -- they are more likely to use medication that impairs their driving are more sensitive to alcohol consumption. Plus, they're more susceptible to medical complications that result from accident injuries. Nonetheless, older drivers have difficulty dealing with complex traffic situations -- such as merging onto highways and crossing intersections, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

That's why older drivers are more likely to get traffic citations for failure to yield, turning improperly, and running stop signs, the Institute says.

To reduce those alarming rates, associations, such as AARP, offer advice and information to make driving safer for mature Americans.

AARP has a 55 ALIVE/Mature Driving continuing-education program for motorists over the 50. The two- day, eight-hour program offers discussion tailored to the older driver -- vision and hearing changes, effects of medication, reaction time changes, right-of-way situations, new traffic laws, and hazardous-driving situations.

Look over some of the tips for safe driving, and plan ahead for the day when you have to leave the driving to others.