Since 1979, AARP Driver Safety has met the needs of older drivers through educational programs led by more than 4,000 volunteers and a myriad of resources. But they aren’t the same programs and resources that were available nearly 35 years ago. AARP Driver Safety has continued to evolve with the times, and as of January 1, 2014, AARP Driver Safety has launched the new and improved AARP Smart Driver Course.
Why a new course?
A lot has changed since many American drivers first got their driver’s license. The roads have changed. Cars and the technology inside them have changed. Even the people behind the wheel have changed. As drivers, if we don’t keep up with those changes we put others or even ourselves at risk.
How is the AARP Smart Driver Course different?
The new and improved course curriculum was designed with the participant in mind, and it is different in many ways from previous editions including:
• A completely new, easy-to-follow format that incorporates adult-learning principles, features reader-friendly print types, full-color pages, an easy-to-follow format, and videos to supplement course content.
• With 19 areas of customization, the course is tailored to meet the needs of its participants by providing state-specific information that is easy to access and understand.
• Based on the results of a two-year research study, the course has been adjusted to include a focus on areas where older drivers could benefit from additional training, including: roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, and safety issues such as speeding, seatbelt and turn signal use.
Sign up to take the new AARP Smart Driver Course.
The AARP Smart Driver course is available at several locations. To find one near you, please visit: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/ or call toll-free (877) 846-3299.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: AARP Smart Driver Course