AARP driver safety program offered next month

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Buck Run Community Center, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will host an AARP Driver Safety Program early next month.

The class will take place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, and Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.

The 8-hour course provided by AARP is designed primarily for those people who are older than 50 years of age, but is open to anyone with a valid Kansas driver's license. The cost for the full course is $14 which participants can pay when they arrive for the class. Members of AARP may take the course at a cost of $12 and will be required to bring their AARP membership number from their membership card to class in order to receive the discount.

Those who have lost their card and want their membership number may call (888) 687-2277 to obtain it.

According to a news release, the course deals with the changing conditions that take place as people age, especially beginning near the age of 50 for most people. Participants will receive a workbook for class notes, and through discussions and videos, will learn some alternatives to continue to drive while adjusting to changes, so they may continue to drive safely for as long as they can. Participants will be taught about the seriousness of driving and the dangers of not driving with their full attention.

Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate which can be presented to his or her insurance carrier in order to receive an "appropriate discount" on his or her liability insurance, according to the release.

For more information or to sign up for the course, call (620) 223-0386. Seating for the class is limited to 25 participants. The course will be taught by local resident Jack Jaro.