AARP Driver Safety class covers many situations

“Running the roads” is a common phrase in Maine, and now that it’s spring, people are out in full force. And you heard it here first – people are crazy. I won’t regale you with my own trials and tribulations of driving on the interstate or busy streets. Suffice it to say I have thrown up my hands in surrender.

Well, Sylvia Smith to the rescue. This AARP Driver Safety instructor teaches classes on safe and defensive driving to seniors, although I think everyone should take it. Navigating difficult traffic situations is but one of the topics covered in class.

She also discusses potential trouble spots for drivers – for example, parking lots where cars may be coming from every direction, blind spots which every vehicle has, and how to protect yourself from car crime.

Other topics include how to handle being confronted by an aggressive driver, backing up, skidding, and ways to compensate for physical limitations of the older driver.

“Aging is associated with changes in eyesight including the narrowing of peripheral vision, an inability to see in darkness, and sensitivity to glare,” said Smith. “Hearing loss and muscle stiffness, which can prevent sudden movement and lengthen response time, are other common complaints of getting older. Medication interaction can present problems also, sometimes causing adverse actions to occur.”

The class also teaches about space cushions, seat belt myths, what to do if threatened with a head-on crash, and the three-second rule (which is not the amount of time you have to safely eat something that has fallen on the floor.)

“I also always emphasize the importance of defensive driving, reminding seniors to always look both ways before proceeding through a green light,” she said. “One must never trust that other drivers will automatically stop for their red light. And always use the blinker when turning. It’s the most effective way of communicating your intentions, which can prevent an accident.”

Smith reminds drivers to use blinkers when changing lanes, as well. Often, other drivers will be courteous and let them “cut in” if the intent is made clear. Of course, sometimes the other driver won’t be so courteous, so be sure you are actually being waved in before you make your move.

One of the biggest mistakes that older drivers make is not yielding the right of way to other cars, Smith said. There are numerous four-way stops popping up, so learning the correct way to handle these intersections could prevent a fender bender or worse.

“If you read accident reports, it’s the right-of-way incident or confusing the gas pedal for the brake that show up most often,” she said.

One goal of the class is to make seniors aware of these situations, she said. And while the class is open to anyone, it is specifically tailored to the mature driver, addressing changes that occur from the aging process.

There are no written or road tests in the class, just lots of vital information – some refresher and some on new driving hazards.

The class is limited to 25 and there is a $10 fee, which covers the cost of materials including a user-friendly workbook. Upon completion, class participants will receive a certificate that will entitle them to a discount on their insurance rates.

EAA is offering this two-part class 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, April 19 and 21, at 450 Essex St., Bangor. If you would like to take the class, reserve your place by calling 941-2865. If the class fills up quickly, we’ll put you on a waiting list for the next one.

“I really want older people to be comfortable behind the wheel and with their driving habits and skills so they can be independent as long as possible,” said Smith.

Eastern Agency on Aging will hold a Medicare D help session 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway. Enter the school through the Administration door and you will be directed where to go from there.

Trained volunteers will help Medicare beneficiaries or their caregivers with the “comparison tool” online, which narrows down the drug plan options. The consumer can then choose a plan. EAA staff will be available to help interpret the information.

Preregistration is not necessary. Medicare beneficiaries should bring with them a list of current medications with the correct spelling, the dosage and frequency, the price, name of the preferred pharmacy, and a copy of any letters that have been received from Social Security, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and the state of Maine related to this prescription drug benefit.

Thanks to Bangor High School and participating students.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org or e-mail info@eaaa.org.