Bangor is booming. If you have taken a ride out Stillwater Avenue in Bangor lately, you know what I mean. There is a new mall in town. It’s not even fully open yet, but boy, oh boy, it seems the traffic has really increased. Or maybe it’s just my imagination.

But never mind the new freshly painted lanes with new directional arrows, let’s talk about the gawkers. You know who you are – the people driving through the intersection with craned necks to see the new stores.

OK, I confess, I have peered out my side window more than once to spy on the activity.

And while this new economic development is a wonderful thing – and I will be among the first to check it all out – driving in that part of town can be hazardous.

Sylvia Smith to the rescue. This AARP Driver Safety instructor extraordinaire teaches classes on safe and defensive driving to seniors. Navigating difficult traffic situations is but one of the topics covered in the class.

“I always emphasize the importance of defensive driving, reminding seniors to always look both ways before proceeding through a green light,” she said. “Never trust that another driver will automatically stop for a red light, you could get broad-sided. And always use the blinker when turning. It is the most effective way of communicating your intentions to other drivers.”

With our roads having multiple lanes these days, Smith reminds drivers to use the directional signals when changing lanes, as well. Often, other drivers will be courteous and let you “cut in” if they are made aware of your intentions. Of course, sometimes they won’t, so be sure you are actually being waved in before you make your move.

Other topics of the class include how to handle being confronted by an aggressive driver; potential trouble areas such as parking lots, backing up, skidding and blind spots; and ways to compensate for the 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.”

One of the biggest mistakes that older drivers make is not yielding the right of way to other cars, she added.

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

One goal of the class is to make seniors aware of these situations and to curb driver inattention, 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 classes are limited to about 25 participants and there is a $10 fee, which covers the cost of materials including a user-friendly workbook. After completing the course, participants receive a certificate, which will entitle them to a discount on insurance rates.

EAA will offer the two-part, eight-hour class, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, and Friday, Oct. 7. It will be given again on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 17, at 450 Essex St., Bangor. To sign up, call 941-2865.

“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.

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