According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 80 percent of motorists over age 65 avoid certain driving situations, such as driving in bad weather, heavy traffic or the dark. If there are situations when you simply aren’t comfortable driving, by all means, let someone else take the wheel.
Operating a vehicle is a complex task, involving vision, hearing, reaction time, coordination, flexibility and strength. While all drivers must judge and respond to what is around them, aging drivers need to be especially alert due to diminished hearing, vision and mobility.
Because driving has changed since many older drivers first got their licenses, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is offering its Smart Driver course at the Urbandale Senior Center Friday, March 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This defensive-driving refresher course is for anyone who would like to brush up on their skills and gain confidence in their ability to continue driving safely. In some instances, taking a driving class can reduce your car insurance premium.
The cost of the course is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
You must call ahead to register for the AARP Smart Driver course by calling 515-278-3907.
For additional information about older drivers, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation website.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
