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In a March 30, 2009 post (AARP Driver Safety Program), we wrote about the AARP Driver’s Safety Program.  For those of you who are interested in taking a fall course, many locations have opened up registration.

Since writing our previous post, it has come to our attention that many insurance carriers throughout the United States offer a multi-year discount to AARP graduates.

For our metro Detroit readers, the Birmingham Community House in Birmingham, Michigan is offering the course on Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7 from 12:30 – 4:30.  There is a $12 materials fee for AARP members and a $14 fee for non-members.  Click here to link to their registration area.

Our out of state readers can find a class near them on the AARP site.

Flickr Image via Burning Image

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a nationwide program to help millions of drivers remain safe on the roads.  They have offered this program for the past 27 years.  It is offered in two four hour sessions.  Instructors are local volunteers.

According to the AARP website, course topics include:

• negotiating busy intersections
• minimizing blind spots
• maintaining proper following distance
• the effects of medication on driving, and
• properly using safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes.

The course is designed for drivers 50 years of age and older.  However, it is open to drivers of all ages.

The AARP offers a course locator on their site.

Our Metro Detroit readers can register for their local AARP Driver Safety Program through the Birmingham Commuinty House.  It is a two day course that will be held on Monday May 4th and Wednesday, May 6th from 12:30 to 4:30.  There is a $12 materials fee for AARP members (proof of membership required) and a $14 materials fee for non-members.

What many of us do not realize is that many of the little aches and pains we begin to feel as we age can prove dangerous when we are behind the wheel of a car.

In an article on the AARP website entitled, “Program Steers Seniors toward Safer Driving“ (originally published in the Times Union on December 16, 2008), Christen Gowen provides the following tips (link to the full article for more detailed descriptions) for keeping seniors healthy and physically fit enough to continue driving: 

• See an opthamologist annually and do not delay cataract surgery
• Ensure you are able to look over your shoulder and to check blind spots
• Ensure that you have good reflexes and are still able to make quick decisions
• Ask your physician or pharmacist if new medications will affect your driving

The article stresses that driving rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists are frequently able to work with seniors to keep them physically fit enough to stay on the road safely.

A January 18, 2008 CNN article entitled, “When Dad Should Stop Driving” provides some good advice on how to go about having “the talk.”  They recommend: 

- Keep in mind how you would feel if you were in your parent’s place

- Keep a record of any driving “incidents”  that have led you to believe it might be time for your parent to stop driving

- Ensure that family members are trained in the art of open, honest, and non-accusatory approaches in addressing the issue

- Come up with a plan for your parent to slowly curtail their driving (e.g., no highway driving, no driving over 45 mph, no child passengers, etc.) 

- Agree on circumstances that will signal it is time to stop driving altogether

The article also provides a comprehensive list of questions you should ask yourself if you are beginning to suspect that it is time for your parent to give up driving.