Smart Senior Driving

t the end of October, dozens of Beatitudes residents and community members from the surrounding area participated in our CarFit event to help assess the safest “fit” for seniors and their automobiles.

On Friday, December 2nd from 8AM-1PM in the Administration Conference Room (AC), aarp is offering a comprehensive senior driving course to provide additional tools, resources, and information to our Beatitudes Campus senior drivers. 

Traffic statistics indicate that, overall, older adults are safe drivers with good driving records. However, medical conditions, certain medications, and age-related changes in physical and mental function can increase the risk of crashes and injury among older drivers. It is critically important that older drivers make safety a personal priority.  The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation's first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older.  Since 1979, the course has helped over 14 million drivers learn proven safety strategies and tips for how to adapt one's driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that may come with aging. In fact, an evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.   Although the course is geared toward drivers 50+, it can be taken by licensed drivers of all ages, and there are no tests. Some insurance companies also offer discounts on auto insurance premiums upon course completion.

During the Smart Driver Course, you can expect to refresh your driving skills and your understanding of new rules — and hazards — of the road.  Additionally, participation in the course helps you reduce your chances of receiving a traffic violation or getting into an accident.

The AARP Smart Driver Course highlights the following factors important to senior drivers:

• research-based safe driving strategies.
• Information on the effects of medication on driving.
• Preventive measures to reduce driver distractions.
• Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and new technology found in cars today.
• Information on typical age-related physical and mental changes, and how to drive safer with these changes in mind.
• Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.
• State-specific rules and regulations in 19 key areas.

The course does require advance registration through AARP and there is a course cost of $15.00 for AARP members/$20.00 for non-AARP members.  Payment can be made the day of class by check or money order, and please bring your driver's license and AARP member card, if applicable.  Spouses are encouraged to attend at no additional charge.  There will be a continental breakfast served and a break for lunch.  Call Ellen Winkler, AARP Arizona Driver Safety State Coordinator, at 602-908-5975 to register.

Author Info: Beatitudes Campus

At the foundation of Beatitudes Campus is the vision of Church of the Beatitudes pastors and congregation members to create a better alternative for older adults than the nursing homes of the early 1960s. The type of community they imagined was the first of its kind in Arizona. Beatitudes Campus is proud to continue the legacy of our founders, by being a leader in the field of aging services for over 50 years.