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MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP -- The generation that seemed like it would never get old, finally is getting old.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five drivers will be 65 years of age or older by 2030.  That amounts to more than 30 million mature drivers.

In order to help seniors stay safe behind the wheel, the Department of State has teamed up with AAA Michigan and AARP to offer a free traffic safety program.

After 53 years on the road, Mary Ann Laukka thought it was time to put it in park and make sure her car was still a good fit for her.

In just 20 minutes, trained technicians go through a 12-point checklist with motorists to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.

"We look at things like safety belt use, head restraint use, the controls of the vehicle, the mirror--are they seeing what they should be seeing?" says safety research specialist Gary Bubar.  "We look at range of motion in their head, neck, and shoulders."

As we age, we begin to experience a dimming vision and slower reflexes, which can increasing risk behind the wheel.

"Once drivers reach the age of 70, crashes begin to increase," Bubar says.  "Once drivers reach the age of 85, crashes occur about the same number per miles driven as 16 year olds."

One of the most common mistakes made by drivers, says Bubar, is not adjusting the mirrors.  In Mary Ann's case, she was seeing too much of her car in the mirror, maximizing her blind spots.

"It was a little bit different than what I was taught in driver's training way back in 1957," said Mary Ann Laukka.

Mary Ann was just one of 40 or so people taking part in Tuesday's CarFit program in Marquette Township.

After her car was fully inspected from the inside out, Mary Ann got back behind the wheel with her skills up to speed.