ECU prof: Prepare to outlive your ability to drive

"When [you see] family member can’t manage their money anymore, can’t manage their medicine anymore, and you wouldn’t want to leave them at a shopping center alone, they shouldn’t be driving," Dickerson said.

But the age at which people should stop driving is not clear. Dickerson says research shows that drivers in their 70s are less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers in their 30s, 40s and 50s. However, deadly crashes do increase with age, especially in people who are 90 years and older.

"I think when you’re in your 70s, you know you can’t multitask. So you’re going to concentrate on driving and not listen to the phone and do other things while you’re driving," said Dickerson.

She points out that research shows its less about age and more about cognitive ability. There are indicators as to when it’s time to step away from the wheel.

"If you have a slow movement, and it’s not about having something wrong with your neck, you’re just thinking slower; if it takes time to think through things — you can’t take that time on the road," she said.

She wants everyone to have a plan in place for when they’ll have to stop driving, like public transportation or help from family. Her research shows having a means of transportation is linked with having a good quality of life.

In the meantime, she encourages car buyers to purchase vehicles with the latest technology, as it could safe your life.

"To keep safe, buy a car with a technology as much as you can afford. It has made significant differences in decreasing in crash rates," she said.