DRIVING REFRESHER COURSE FOR SENIORS PUTS SAFETY FIRST
As we age, our vision and hearing may get worse, and our reaction time behind the wheel slows down, all of which can negatively impact seniors when they’re driving.
There also are more cars on the road, with people driving faster, which makes venturing out riskier business.
The best way to keep ourselves driving for as long as possible is to do so as safely as possible, which is why the TriCounty Active Adult Center in Pottstown is offering AARP’s Smart Driver course for those age 50 and up.
“For a lot of these people, it has been 50 or more years since they passed their driver’s test,” said
Brian Parkes, the Adult Center’s executive director. “If you think about that, a lot has changed.”
The refresher course reviews safety aspects of driving among other topics.
“The things that have changed and things they should be aware of,” he said.
It’s also creating a greater level of awareness about aspects of aging that might make driving more challenging.
“That their reaction time may not be what it used to be,” Parkes said. “Vision changes when driving at night is another.”
The recertification class, taught by a professional, is typically offered at the center twice a year. You aren’t required to be an AARP member to attend but can get a discount on the course if you are. There are other perks to attending.
“A lot of people receive a discount on their auto insurance if they complete the course, so it’s a good incentive for them to keep it up,” he said, adding that after the four-hour course, they have to take a periodic refresher.
According to the AARP, safer driving can do much more than save you money.
“Our defensive driving course teaches evidence-based strategies to keep you safe behind the wheel,” the AARP states on their website.
Strategies they offer include important facts about the effects of medication on driving, how to reduce driver distractions, age-related physical changes and how to