Older drivers learn how to stay safe

Vernon — Driver safety was the focus during a two-day, eight-hour program at St. Francis de Sales Church sponsored by the AARP earlier this week. A record number of area seniors signed up for the course, designed to help them become more defensive drivers as they age and face new challenges. Course instructor Steve Wille insists that people of all ages can benefit from refresher courses. “The course helps the participants be more aware of the need for patience and tolerance on the road these days... much has changed over the course of decades and driving often needs a new approach. The goal is to help them become better, more aware, safer drivers,” said Wille. Senior Shirley Baldwin organized the event after talking with others in Vernon about the need for such services. “As we get older, we face changes in our eyesight, our reaction times and we need to be taught different techniques to assure that we remain safe and defensive drivers,” said Baldwin. “You are never too old or too experienced for a refresher course,” Wille emphasized. — C.G. Moore For more information or to arrange for a course, visit www.aarp.org/drive.