AARP Safe Driving Course In Derby

DERBY — A two-part, eight-hour AARP Driver Safety Program is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, and Saturday, January 17, from 9 am to 1 pm, in the Griffin Hospital Dining Meeting Rooms. Although it is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to all interested persons.

The goal of the AARP Driver Safety course is to give participants a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance agent to learn whether their company provides auto insurance discounts for completing the course.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers. The training is designed to help drivers learn current rules of the road, how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment, and some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.

The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cellphone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and antilock brakes and ways to monitor the driver’s own and others’ driving skills and capabilities.

Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Registration is required. For registration or more information call 203-732-7584.