DO YOUR DRIVING SKILLS NEED A TUNE-UP?

Dearborn County Hospital and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are presenting a one day Driver Safety Program at the Harrison Senior Center, 300 George Street, in Harrison.  DCH Occupational Health Nurse Pam Puterbaugh, R.N., will lead the class on Tuesday, March 16, from noon until 4:00 p.m. The program 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 drivers 50 years of age and older, it is open to people of all ages.

“Driver Safety is designed to remind all motorists of defensive driving techniques and how to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction times,” Mrs. Puterbaugh explained.  “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.”

The course is designed 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 responses, 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.