CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- As members of the baby boom generation and their parents continue to be active drivers, the AARP is reminding them that a refresher driving class is a good idea.
The AARP Driver Safety Program helps people over 50 keep their mobility, said class instructor Diana Whittle.
During a visit last week at the Bradley County Senior Activities Center, she urged anyone over 50 to take the class, which consists of two four-hour sessions held on consecutive days.
The next class is scheduled for Aug. 18-19 at Life Care's Garden Plaza in Cleveland.
IF YOU GO What: AARP driver safety classWhen: 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19Where: Garden Plaza, 3500 Keith St. NW, Cleveland, Tenn.Cost: $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers. Pre-registration: Required at 423-479-4447. Space is limited.
The goal is to help participants understand the effects of age on driving, learn driving strategies to deal with changes and identify common crash situations to reduce the chances of having a crash. Class members also will learn about modern vehicles and roads and how to know when to stop driving, Ms. Whittle said.
That can be helpful for those whose aging parents still are driving, she said.
Some worried children have gone as far as disabling a parent's car, she said.
"But that doesn't always work. I had one person say, 'My dad would have it fixed in three hours,'" said Ms. Whittle. "But you look for those little dings and dents where they may have hit their mailbox or something. Then you know it's time to have that discussion."
John Cassidy, AARP chapter president, said he and his wife have taken the course.
"It's just one of the services we provide. It's an easy course. It's fun," Mr. Cassidy said. "And there is a financial incentive."
The program includes an auto insurance discount for drivers who show their insurance company they have completed a class, Ms. Whittle said.
"There are no tests. You don't have to pass a test," she said. "But once you have completed the class, I will give you a certificate. You take that certificate to your car insurance dealer and they are required by the state of Tennessee to give you a discount."
The discount varies from one insurance company to another.
"It's not a great deal. But with the economy the way it is, every bit helps," she said.