What it's like to be an elderly driver

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WWLP) - The elderly driving issue is getting a lot of attention these days.

Liberty Mutual is raising awareness with a senior safety driving event at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

A company official took 22News for a ride to show the effects old age has on driving.

But first, he put on a senior simulator suit.

The outfit features a neck brace, vest, gloves, even ankle weights--all designed to restrict movement and flexibility.

On the driving course, Dave sped up to 35-miles per hour and tried to make a sudden turn. "Very difficult to do. This restriction with your hands and upper body," he said.

Those are just some of the challenges elderly drivers face behind the wheel.

Experts say there are definite signs that indicate when it's time to move to the passenger seat for good.

"Look at how they're driving. Are they wanting passengers, do they need help, are they forgetting where they're going?" said the Executive Director of the Macklin Intergenerational Institute Vicki Rosebrook.

She said families need to discuss the issue, empower and involve seniors in the decision and not dictate the end of their driving careers.

You can experience what it's like to be an elderly driver online with Liberty Mutual's web-based game: http://libertymutual.com/driverseat