All older drivers know they face a tough decision sooner or later. Changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and other age-related conditions or illnesses can affect the ability to safely remain behind the wheel. But determining when to hang up the car keys is a challenging choice for the elderly and their families.

It's also an important issue for communities, which often are called on to provide alternative means of transportation for elderly residents who can no longer drive. Yet broaching the topic either publicly or privately can be difficult because, for most seniors, driving equals independence.

"We have to find nonthreatening ways to open up conversations with older adults, families and communities about driving," says Jeff Finn, project coordinator for Drivewell, a new older-driver education program developed by the American Society on Aging. By 2030, the number of older Americans will reach more than 70 million, and 1 of 4 drivers on the road will be 65 or older. While drivers 70 and older are among the safest on the road, posting the highest seat-belt-use rates and the lowest rates of alcohol involvement, they also suffer more serious injuries and fatalities when involved in a crash.

Drivewell, a program designed to promote community conversations that can lead to increased driver safety and more transportation choices for adults 65 and older, will launch this spring. A main feature of the program is the Drivewell National Experts Speakers Bureau, a group of 17 individuals from public and private aging organizations. Experts will act as regional resources to local social-service agencies, health departments and law-enforcement groups by providing training and offering creative solutions.

"The main purpose of the program is to maintain safety for older drivers," says Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is helping to administer Drivewell. "And while this is a safety issue, it's also about mobility, dignity and independence for a growing number of older adults."

According to the National Older Driver Research and Training Center, restrictions placed on driving can have serious negative consequences for the elderly.

When older drivers lose their wheels, they can experience decreased access to social activities, medical services, shopping and other services critical to living independently.