Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. As people get older, their driving patterns change. Therefore, driving habits and techniques must change as well.
Retirement, different schedules, and new activities affect when and where people drive. Most older adults drive safely because they have a lot of experience behind the wheel. But when they are involved in crashes, they are often hurt more seriously than younger drivers. Age-related declines in vision, hearing, motor skills, reflex time, and some health conditions and medications can affect driving skills.
Fortunately, the rate of crashes among adults 65 and over has decreased in recent years. To help keep accidents on the decrease, SeniorAge – through partnership with AARP – hosts AARP Smart Driver courses to help protect the rights of senior citizens to drive by teaching them how to avoid incidences which could cost them their license.
By taking a driver refresher course you’ll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. You’ll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. In addition, you’ll learn:
- Research-based safety strategies that can reduce the likelihood of having a crash
- Proper use of seat belts, air bags, antilock brakes, and new technology found in cars today
- Ways to monitor your own and others’ driving skills and capabilities
- The effects of medications on driving
- The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and using a cellphone
After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.
Contact your local AARP office or call SeniorAge at 417-862-0762 to find out more about upcoming dates of the AARP Smart Driver Course.
