AARP program keeps drivers sharp, informed
CARMICHAELS – For most teenagers, turning 16 and obtaining a driver’s license is the highlight of their high school years, but most Americans never take a second look at the rules of the road after they pass their initial test. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has recognized the considerations and driving problems that people over age 50 must deal with, so the organization created an eight-hour classroom refresher course known as the AARP Driver Safety Program.
“People who are 50 and older attend the class to brush up on their driving skills,” said Ruth Smith, class instructor and a former student of the program. “A lot of people also like to take the class because it helps them get a percentage off from their insurance companies, as well.”
Smith took the class herself more than 10 years ago, and she has since been volunteering her time to teach.
“Most people haven’t looked at a driving manual since they were 16, so this class is nice for them to get to refresh their minds on laws of driving,” she said.
Participants spend eight hours in class, either in two four-hour classes or one straight eight-hour session, and these classes are offered frequently throughout the tri-state area each month.
Wilma Allison attended one such class, held in Carmichaels in early August. She said the course proved to be both entertaining and a good refresher.
“The class really helps to keep up with things. Your reflexes aren’t as good as you get older, and she (Smith) helps us to combat those types of problems.”
Allison joined more than a dozen students at the Carmichaels Volunteer Fire Department to participate in the eight-hour session that used materials printed up and sent by AARP, including rules-of-the-road manuals, safety tips, vehicle-maintenance pamphlets and a workbook that set the curriculum for the class.
“There are a lot of good materials here that we can take with us,” said Allison. “And the workbook brings up a lot of scenarios that I haven’t dealt with in years. This is a really great refresher on the rules and situations that don’t come up very often.”
The course curriculum covers changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging, and compensation techniques are presented and discussed.
Participants receive a review of the rules of the road, with a special emphasis placed on defensive driving. There are no tests for the course, but participants receive a certificate at the end of the program, and those graduates may be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance.
“In all honesty, the insurance discount is a big draw for a lot of the participants,” said Smith. “So, they end up getting the discount and they wind up learning and refreshing their memories in the process.”
Since the program’s creation in 1979, more than 8 million have completed the course, and within the last two years alone, more than 2 million have graduated from 100,000 classes across the country, according to AARP.
“I’ve been involved in the program for years now, teaching, and I love it and have no plans to stop anytime soon,” said Smith. “In my opinion, it is nice to have smaller groups to have more involvement, but I’ve had classes as big as 30 students before because it is a popular program within the area.”
Many classes are scheduled in the area throughout September. To obtain information and class specifics, call 800-227-7669. The program is available to both AARP members and non-members.
“I really recommend this class for everyone over 50,” said Smith. “You may have to give up eight hours of your day, but when you consider the benefits, it really is worth it.”