April 4, 2008

Opportunities to refresh senior driving skills

Certificate may reduce insurance premiums

By Donna H Eliason
Staff Writer

Many people 50 years and older value their driving mobility as their key to independence. Aging takes its toll on eyesight, hearing and reaction time. Years of driving experience may also mean ingrained, perhaps unconscious, bad habits. These are some reasons why many seniors take the popular AARP 8-hour Safe Driver class, usually given in two 4-hour sessions. The class is geared towards seniors, but is open to anyone. It is monitored by the DMV.

This course, which started in l979, has helped millions learn the effects of aging on driving, and strategies to overcome limitations. Potential problems are covered, such as intersections, blind spots, lane changing, parking lots and ways to avoid common accident situations.

Information is shared about current driving laws, new car technology, as well as touchy subjects, such as when people should stop driving.

Hal Gillette, volunteer in-structor for the Villages AARP Driver Safety program says, “Ninety-five percent of people have eyesight decline as they grow older. It’s important to make adjustments for this change.” This is especially crucial as the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the number of Americans 65 years and older will double to 72 million by 2030.

At the class conclusion, participants receive a certificate, plus an increased awareness of their own capabilities and safety habits needed for our challenging driving environment. Gil-lette says, “Everyone who takes the class says they will make at least one change in their driving habits.”

He stresses an additional bonus is many companies reduce car insurance premiums because of the class completion certificate. For example, AAA reduces premiums five percent per vehicle, as well as Hartford Insurance, through AARP. The certificate is good for three years but renewable with a 4-hour refresher class.

Instructors are recruited and trained by AARP. Gillette has a master’s degree in mathematics, worked in computers and engineering, plus taught in a Los Angeles Junior College before retirement. Since then he’s a math volunteer at Evergreen Valley College, and teaches AARP classes.

A class will be given on Thursdays, May 1 and 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Community Center. Cost is $10 per person. Forms can be obtained at the community center. Classes are also held in The Villages.

An online class containing the same information is available through the AARP web site. Cost is $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for nonmembers. This self-paced course must be completed within 30 days.