New Instructor Takes The Wheel

For Senior Center Driving Course

By Nancy K. Crevier

For several years, The Newtown Senior Center has hosted the AARP Driving Safety Program at the center on Riverside Drive. On Mondays, March 13 and 20, once again two dozen seniors met for four hours each day to review driving rules of the road and tips for safe driving. What was new this session was the instructor.

Mary Tietjen has been volunteering with AARP since the autumn of 2005 to bring the Driving Safety Program to seniors around the region. “I enjoy instructing,” said Ms Tietjen. “The AARP offers extensive training and I thought if I could make a difference, prevent just one accident, it would be worthwhile.”

Participants are provided with workbooks, literature, copies of the Connecticut driver’s manual, and view educational videos geared toward drivers over the age of 55. Discussion is encouraged throughout the eight-hour course and Ms Tietjen clarifies any rules and laws that may be confusing.

Many of the seniors take the class in order to receive a reduction on their car insurance, which Ms Tietjen said varies from company to company.

Charlotte Kalley has taken the driving course four times.

“I update it whenever the insurance company requires me to. You have to check with your insurance company and find out when that is. It’s usually every two or three years,” she said.

Ms Kalley estimated she saves ten percent by receiving the AARP certification from the course. She finds the course highly valuable.

“You think you know the stuff,” she said. “You do it by rote. But you are always reminded [in the class] of something you should be doing.”

The cost of the AARP Driving Safety Course is $10. Ms Tietjen said she believes the next session in Newtown is scheduled for June. “The course can be taken in any town, though,” she said. “You don’t have to be from the town where the course is offered.”

To locate an AARP Driving Safety Course in the area, call 888-AARP-NOW or go online to  www.aarp.org.