What do brownie crumbs, a construction site and a car radio have in common?

Crazy as it sounds, these were the reasons three people I know, all senior adults, were involved in auto accidents.

Obviously these drivers were distracted, which is one of the major causes of crashes in all age groups. Paying attention is crucial when we are behind the wheel.

As we age, we have reason for concern. We are becoming a little slower, while the rest of the world seems to be speeding up.

To compensate for waning skills, older people may want to consider adjusting their driving habits. For example, we can allow ourselves more reaction time by leaving plenty of room between vehicles.

Decline in hearing and eyesight and decreased strength and coordination are all physical changes that often occur in later years and can cause problems on the road.

Aging does not have to limit our lifestyle or our activities, however. Many physical changes can be dealt with and corrected, especially if they are detected and treated early. The right glasses, often different for day or night driving, and proper hearing aids, can help older drivers be safer behind the wheel.

Regular exercise can help older adults maintain good health and flexibility, as well as increase mental alertness. Non-alert drivers are a hazard to themselves and to everyone they encounter.

Some prescription medications that many older individuals routinely take can have the same harmful effects on driving as alcohol or illegal drugs do. Drivers of all ages should stay off the road if they are taking any medicines that cause drowsiness.

Since reaction times often slow down as we age, older individuals may need to make some compromises to limit the number of quick decisions or maneuvers required under certain driving conditions.

For example, we can drive in off-peak hours and avoid rush-hour, high-speed traffic. Some seniors limit their driving to less congested local suburbs and rural areas and stay away from urban traffic jams and interstate highways. Given a choice, I’ll take a slow back road every time.

We can choose routes that have well-marked streets and easy-to-read signs. If traveling to an unfamiliar area, plan the entire route ahead of time in order to focus on driving rather than on checking directions while behind the wheel.

We need to be especially cautious when making left turns across traffic. Some older friends say they have adjusted their driving by avoiding tricky left turns, preferring instead to circle the block.

Busy parking lots are frequently the site of fender benders or worse. A friend was hit and knocked to the ground, breaking her hip, when a car backed into her as she walked through the parking lot of a grocery store. I, too, was once grazed and knocked over by a car that was backing up, but fortunately I was not injured.

Always carefully check all mirrors and look around before putting the car in reverse. I try to avoid backing up in a parking lot by choosing a pull-through space that allows me to drive forward.

Controlling our emotions while driving is critical. Avoid anger and hostility when behind the wheel in order to avoid trouble.

As my earlier-mentioned friends demonstrated, we need to avoid distractions while driving, and that includes eating, using a cellphone, tuning the radio and holding animated conversations with passengers.

Senior motorists can sharpen their driving skills and develop defensive driving techniques by enrolling in classroom refresher courses, often offered at local senior centers. Some auto insurance companies provide discounts to older drivers who complete one of these courses.

The process of assessing and adapting one’s driving habits is a key to safe driving.

And, of course, safe driving is a key to the cherished independence most older adults do not want to relinquish.