Senior safety: AARP program reduces driver’s risk, lowers insurance rates

By Mary Owen

Senior citizen Mersha Studer of Jefferson got more than just an update on road rules and

 a drop in insurance rates from taking Sheryl Forrest’s safe driving instruction last year. She also got peace of mind.

“This is the second time I have taken the class,” Studer said of the American Association of Retired Persons Drivers Safety Class that Forrest, also from Jefferson, teaches locally.

“I find it helpful to get a refresher on the laws and safe driving tips. This class also keeps me up to date on new rules and answers any questions I have on a new or old rule.”

Forrest, Oregon’s District 6 coordinator for AARP, is happy to pass along information that helps seniors to drive safer.

“They also learn important laws, and recognize when to seek help for any problems so they can feel confident, keep safe, and drive longer,” Forrest said.

Safe driving is a challenge for all drivers, but even more so for older drivers, who, according to AARP, may have risks from changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and judgment/cognition. People age 65 and older comprised 15 percent of all licensed drivers in 2005. Although the American Geriatric Society notes that older Americans have the lowest crash rate per licensed driver of all driving age groups, older people injure more easily and are more likely to die when injured in a crash.

AARP Drivers Safety Program is the only national program designed to help drivers age 50 and older learn safety strategies and tips to help them adapt to physical and mental changes they experience. The course covers rules of the road, current roadway conditions and normal age-related physical changes that may impact driving and tips to compensate for these changes. Tests are not given, and participants may qualify for auto insurance discounts.

“The rate on seniors having more accidents goes up after age 50 and especially after age 60,” Forrest said. “They drive less, but may have more crashes per mile driven and are more likely to be injured or die, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration.”

The class includes defensive driving techniques, how to deal with aggressive drivers, how to handle problem situations and how to safely use anti-lock brakes, air bags and safety belts.

“We also reminds them to maintain good health, get regular checkups, seek help if they think there is a problem and ‘fix’ it so they can keep driving safely,” Forrest said. “We let them know where to find more information and how to find transportation alternatives if and when they decide to quite driving.”

The class provides participants with an opportunity to share stories and ask questions they might otherwise not get a chance to ask, she said.

According to Forrest, four classes were held in Turner, Silverton and Salem last year. The next class for the Stayton area is 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. on April 21-22 at Chemeketa Community College Santiam Center. Day classes will also take place there in August and October. Cost is $14 ($12 for AARP members), with no age limits. To register, call 503-769-7738.

Insurance agents are encouraging customers to take advantage of the information the class offers to help reduce the crash rates, she said. Oregon insurance agencies offer a deduction to course graduates 55 and older, according to AARP.

Forrest said AARP hopes to add workshops on mobility options and “car fit” in the future. AARP also offers classes in Salem and online. “However, the online class does not give Oregon laws yet, so no auto insurance discount is given for those taking it online,” Forrest said.

For more information, visit aarp.org/drive.