Total alertness at the wheel can be literally a matter of life and death for senior roadies. However, in this day of smartphones, ipods, tweeters, twitters and other devices, staying alert now creates more distractions.

The reality of driving, whether to the local store or across the country, is that safety is a constant responsibility. This is especially critical for senior drivers who travel long distances and spend many hours behind the wheel. Some suggestions for safe driving include: 

1. Before hitting the road, be sure your car is in excellent condition, including engine, electrical system, brakes and tires. Ventilation must be functioning safely, especially heating and air conditioning. The interior should be clean and secure from obstructions that could distract the driver or be propelled around on sudden stops.

2. Be sure you’re in as good physical condition as your car. Get regular check-ups with your family doctor to be sure to be in tip-top physical shape. If on meds, ask your doctor how they affect driving skills and alertness. If suffering from a severe cold, flu or serious physical injury, consider postponing your trip.

In a recent Yahoo article, the international foodie guru insists he never eats while flying coach. He cites lack of cleanliness, reheating of old food and other unhealthy practices by airline attendants.

Your travel4seniors.com editor, with more than a half-century of flying in the cheap seats, agrees. Also, the price of an airline meal has risen during those years from $5 (often free back then) to as much as $50.

Senior travelers can’t avoid them. They’re everywhere, and the extras will hike your costs every time you book. For example, you see an airline ad for a $99.99 flight, or Vegas luxury hotel for $29.99 a night or a five-day Caribbean cruise for $999.99.

First of all, why must they still use the old grocery store gotcha trick of quoting .99 to make it seem cheaper than a dollar? The scam should alert you that some creative add-ons are involved to make your actual total costs much higher than the bargain quotes.

There’s no easy way out of the sneaky and confusing extras, except maybe when you’re booking or paying a bill to a live person. Just voice the simple demand: OK, after all the taxes and other charges are added on, please tell me up front how much will the actual total take out of my pocket?

And also, after all the hoopla, don’t forget to ask politely: What’s the senior discount you’ll now deduct from the total bill?

She’s a brightly-colored metal talking info source on wheels with an animated face resembling a Shirley Temple doll. She scoots around Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington state. The cute robot doesn’t sing On The Good Ship Lollypop, but gives current airport and flight data to arriving passengers.

Her purpose, in addition to helping people navigate the busy airport, is to reduce confusion and delay in security lines and boarding. The girl robot, called Tracey, also answers questions and, when requested, is able to respond in six languages.