LANSING – Tom Casperson knows all too well that some people don’t belong on the road.

The Republican representative from Escanaba was driving a logging truck in the Upper Peninsula when an 83-year-old man drove into the side of his truck.

“He admitted he didn’t even see me. Luckily, I had time to swerve a little and not hurt him,” said Casperson, a member of the House Transportation Committee. “He had no family here to drive him anywhere, so he had to do it all himself.”

Other drivers aren’t so lucky. For example, two elderly drivers died in August and October 2005 near the I-75 and M-127 interchange at Grayling. Both drivers mistakenly thought they were on a highway but actually were on an exit, according to a Traverse City Record-Eagle report of the crash.

Such problems may increase because of the elderly population in Michigan, expected to double in the next 20 years, while roads becoming more congested, highway safety experts say. A number of groups is looking at ways to improve driving for people 65 and older.

 “A 27-year-old is less likely to die from the same accident a 77-year-old would because their body is more fragile,” said Elinor Ginzler, director for livable communities at AARP. “We need to minimize risks by states creating effective screening and identifying at-risk drivers, improving the travel environment and individual responsibility, such as refresher courses for drivers, friends and family.”

Currently, Illinois and New Hampshire require mandatory testing starting at age 75 for license renewals. Ten other states require a physician’s note after age 65. Michigan is not among them.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) developed a type face for road signs that is 65 percent clearer and easier to read and is installing rumble strips on highways and larger traffic signals to help older drivers.

Pedestrians also feel safer with countdown traffic signals. These signals start at 10 and count down to zero to let pedestrians know how much time is left before a light turns.

Also, Bob Felt, MDOT communications specialist, said the department is working on M-32 in Gaylord to create one entrance to multiple shopping centers.

“The less entry points you have to an establishment the less accidents you have,” Felt said. “The traffic usually meets at one stoplight.”

In addition, AARP offers safe-driving courses around the state to anyone over 50. Sessions are schedule for at 9 a.m. Nov. 1-2 in Petoskey, 10 a.m. Nov. 6 and 8 in Bay City and 8:30 a.m. Dec 13 and 15 in Traverse City. The class lasts four hours. The fee is $10.

The class also available online. For information contact AARP at 888-AARP-NOW or online at www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety.

Ginzler said, “The class refreshes drivers on how to merge with traffic, anti-lock brakes, and reflects the changing among the times such as dealing with road-rage and warning signs.”

AAA of Michigan programs include an instructional lecture called “The Elder, Wiser Driver,” which helps drivers adjust to physical limitations such as slower response time and limited night vision. AAA also offers a DVD, “Road Lies” with a review test of driving skills and cognitive abilities. Carfit, a joint program with AARP, helps seniors determine if their mirrors and seat are set correctly tips on how to fit the car to the driver’s specifications.

Education of younger generations is also important, AAA says. It encourages children and grandchildren to talk about, when to take away an older relative’s car keys.

“Start early and be creative,” said Jack Peet AAA manager for community safety services.

As an example he said: “A co-worker convinced his aunt to give her car to her niece because they would see each other more. The niece needed a car and if she needed to go anywhere the niece would take her.”

Peet suggested taking the bus with older relatives because it becomes less scary and helps them transition into using public transportation.

Gogebic County, in the Upper Peninsula, is using tax dollars creatively. Casperson said, citing a voucher system that pays for seniors to take a cab or bus to doctors’ appointments.

“It is a lot cheaper than investing in public transportation and it gives the person the feeling of being independent,” said Casperson.