Driver Safety Class, CarFit Event To Be Held at Platteville Senior Center in May

Two AARP programs designed to help older drivers continue driving safely and become more familiar and comfortable with all the functions and safety features in their own vehicles will be held on two separate dates in May at the Platteville Senior Center, 155 W. Lewis St. 

A third program, aimed at helping families to identify when it’s time to have the difficult talk with a loved one about limiting or stopping their driving entirely, will be held in June.

The AARP Driver Safety Program – a classroom course that helps older drivers become more of aware of changes that occur due to aging (vision, hearing, and reaction time) and how to adjust driving accordingly – will be offered on Monday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A lunch break will be held midway through.

The program will be taught by Dean Braund, an instructor with the Driver Safety Program in Wisconsin. To register for the class, please call the Platteville Senior Center at (608) 348-9934 and ask for Jill or Jon. 

The Driver Safety course also reviews some of the basic rules of the road. It is open to the public and there are no tests. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.

If you would like to find out more about the AARP Driver Safety Program – including class locations, information regarding the online course, or other volunteer opportunities – visit www.aarp.org/drive. You can also call toll-free 1-888-227-7669.

Then on Friday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,drivers of all ages are invited to a free program at the senior center that is designed to help them “fit” better in their own vehicles and become safer behind the wheel.

This innovative “CarFit” program, also sponsored by AARP and led by event coordinator Dean Braund, offers a quick, comprehensive check on how well drivers and their vehicles work.

As part of event, a trained team of volunteers will walk through a 12-point checklist to help drivers make sure they have: a clear line of sight over the steering wheel; adequate space to their airbag/steering wheel; properly adjusted head restraints; proper positioning on gas and brake pedals; proper safety belt use and fit, and safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots.

The checkup takes about 20 minutes and provides an opportunity for drivers to ask questions and learn how to make their vehicles “fit” them in the best way possible.

“As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height may make us less comfortable and reduce our control behind the wheel. CarFit gives older adults the tools to help them stay on today’s roads safely,” said Braund.

Advance registration for CarFit is not necessary. Simply drive your vehicle to senior center during the event hours. For more information about CarFit, go to www.car-fit.org.

Lastly, on Saturday, June 8, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., AARP will be offering a free program at the Senior Senter called “We Need to Talk.” 

This seminar, which will be led by instructor Cori Marsh, is designed specifically to help families know when it’s time for a loved one to limit or stop driving. The program offers tips on how to navigate that difficult discussion. No registration required.

For more information about this program, visit aarp.org/weneedtotalk.