ENID, OK - Looking for an opportunity to lower your auto insurance premiums and update yourself on changes in the driving landscape and motoring rules. This course includes the latest information as well as strategies for driving safely longer. Garfield County OSU Extension and AARP are sponsoring this “Smart Driving course beginning at 9AM on Friday. October 20, 2023, at the Garfield County OSU Extension Office - Conference Room; 316 East Oxford; Enid, OK, located on the southeast corner of the Garfield County Fairgrounds. The course will last until around 3:30 PM with a break for lunch. Bring lunch or plan to eat close by. The course is open to the public.
AARP Driver Safety Courses has helped older drivers stay safe, up-to-date, educated, and confident behind the wheel since 1979. A new updated version designed for those 50 years old and older just came off the design table at the beginning of 2022. The Driving landscape has changed dramatically in the past 10 years and our vehicles have seen drastic updates since many drivers received their driver’s licenses. “Everyone can benefit from the updated curriculum,” said Kevin R. Hackett, local AARP Smart Driver volunteer instructor. “As the number of older drivers increase, it is critical that we optimize the driving experience for capable older adults by helping them become more confident, knowledgeable drivers to reduce social isolation issues and financial costs, while making the roads safer for all.”
Research shows that older drivers can benefit from additional training in such things as managing roundabouts, pavement markings, turn signal use and sign compliance. The course covers safety strategies that reduce the likelihood of a crash as you learn about how aging, medication, alcohol, and other health related issues affect driving ability. It also will include how to adjust driving accordingly to allow for these changes as well as changes in the vehicles that are available now.
Insurance companies agree with the research because they offer a reduction on your auto insurance rate for up to three years after completion of this course and when completion certificate is provided to them. Consult your insurance agent for details on their discounts. Come join us and learn research-based driving strategies to help you stay safe behind the wheel; plus, there are no tests to pass.
Signup by contacting the Garfield County OSU Extension center by phone at 580-237-1228. Contact Hackett at 405-714-1002 for questions or more information about the course.
The cost of the course is $20 for AARP Members (bring your card to course) or $25 for non-AARP members. Bring your Driver’s License, as you will need the number. Participants will receive a participant guidebook as part of the course.
This AARP Smart Driving program and new materials were developed with input and representation from more than fifteen related organizations making up the National Older Driver Safety Expert Panel and in consultation with many other safety, motor vehicle, transportation, and medical groups.
A course, We Need to Talk, is also available to those who care about and are worried about older drivers. It is designed to help individuals and families begin the conversation with individuals about the need to limit or stopping driving. It is a 60 to 90-minute program that covers both physical and social issues of not driving, making objective observations about driving safely, and developing strategies and developing a plan for more successful & sensitive conversations about limiting or stopping driving for those we are concerned about. It includes handouts and would be an excellent civic club, professional group or other interested group program. Program can be scheduled by contacting Enid Area AARP volunteer, Kevin R. Hackett at 405-714-1002 for more information.
