AAA East Central is introducing a program in Norwalk to increase safety on the road for mature drivers. The Safe Driving for Mature Operators program is designed to support the changing needs of drivers 60 years and older by offering tips to help reduce their risk and discussions of natural age-based changes which may affect driving ability.
“It’s easy to take your driving ability for granted, but as you get older the physical changes you undergo can make driving difficult,” said Lori Cook, safety advisor of AAA East Central. “In addition to utilizing programs like this, we encourage seniors and their families to plan ahead and start a conversation about the challenges associated with driving and aging.”
The program is being offered in cooperation with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and will be held at its post in Norwalk. It has been approved by the State of Ohio for an insurance discount. However, prospective participants are encouraged to call their insurance company before signing up to learn more about the specifics of those savings.
While a potential discount on insurance premiums is a key benefit of the Safe Driving for Mature Operators program, the messages discussed are crucial in keeping mature drivers safe and on the road for years to come. Because of their fragility, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there has been an increase in the number of older drivers on the road since 2006.
The Safe Driving for Mature Operators program is taught in a classroom setting, giving participants the chance to learn from AAA-certified instructors and from each other. The classes will be held Monday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program costs $10 for AAA Members, and $15 for non-members. To register for classes, call the AAA Norwalk Branch Office at 419-668-1622 (limited seating available).
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 80 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
For More Information, Contact:
Jim Garrity, Public & Community Relations Manager
Desk: 412-365-7274 / Cell: 412-905-9021 / Email: Garrity.James@aaaec.com
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