Dearborn County Hospital and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will present the Driver Safety program on Tuesday, September 18, from noon until 4:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Dearborn Room.  DCH Occupational Health Nurse Pam Puterbaugh, R.N., will lead the class which allows participants to receive comprehensive instruction, view videos and join group discussions.

No written or driving test is required and participants will be awarded a certificate of completion.  Although the class is designed for those 50 years of age and older, it is open to all drivers.

“The course reinforces defensive driving techniques and explains how motorists can compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction times,” Mrs. Puterbaugh stated.  “Some of the discussions involve minimizing blind spots, maintaining a safe distance, the effects of medication on driving and the proper use of current technologies including cell phones.”

Driver Safety was created to help older drivers compensate for physical changes and possible declining perceptual skills and to educate participants on how to reduce traffic violations, crashes and chances for injury.

Most older drivers do not commit traffic violations such as speeding, or drunk or reckless driving.  Some mature drivers may have problems when involved in situations requiring quick response time, full vision and interaction with other motorists.  Typical violations include failure to yield the     right-of-way, improper turning and incorrect lane changing, passing and entering/exiting the interstate.

For more information or to receive a registration form, please call the DCH Education Department at (812) 537-8431 or (800) 676-5572, ext. 8431.  The fee for the Driver Safety program is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.  It is non-refundable.  Please make your check or money order payable to AARP and send the form and payment to the Dearborn County Hospital Education Department, 600 Wilson Creek Road, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025.  Advance registration must be received by Monday, September 17.

Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the program if class space is available.  AARP members must bring their membership card with them to receive the discount.