Senior Driver Safety Programs

What do the AARP, AAA, 911 Driving School, I Drive Safely, and Washington Traffic Safety Education Association (WTSEA) all have in common? They offer driver safety courses, in varying formats, that are approved by the state’s Department of Licensing. The classroom course is eight hours, and takes place over one or two days, depending on the provider; the road course, at 911 Driving School, is staffed by off-duty police officers; behind-the-wheel assessments are provided in 60-90 minute sessions; other courses are offered online. The various programs can cost anywhere from $10-$175.

Gordon Olson, 76, is living proof that the programs can really make a difference for seniors. He retired in February 2004, took the AARP classroom course the following month, and then became a course trainer. He’s now the state coordinator for all of Washington’s driver safety programs. One benefit of the classroom course is the certificate of completion that enables seniors to receive a 5 to 10 percent discount on auto insurance. Olson notes that many seniors sign up primarily for that reason, but others do not take the course at all, on the mistaken assumption that it’s pass/fail. “There is no way under the sun that we can take their license away from them,” says Olson. “It is a refresher course.” Nationwide, the average age of those taking the AARP course is 72; it’s 54 for those taking the online version. Insurance discounts are available for drivers 55 and over, but drivers as young as 50 are welcome to participate. Almost 15,000 Washington drivers took the course last year.

Day One opens with a pre-course quiz, in which participants are asked to write down how the roads have changed, how the cars have changed, and how they have changed since they first started driving. Then the conversation turns to issues that directly affect driving, such as vision, hearing, reaction time, physical fitness, medications, and alcohol. The rest of Day One and most of Day Two are devoted to covering actual car and road situations. Olson believes the course is a real value for the money, and not just because of the insurance discount. “Most of them come in saying, ‘I’m going to endure this for the insurance.’ That’s why they’re there. But they go out saying, ‘I learned something.’” 

The AAA Driver Improvement Program is offered through American Driving Services, which operates in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Instructor Danny Lillenes provides behind-the-wheel road evaluations, which last 60-90 minutes. The evaluations are often requested by physicians and occupational therapists who want to make sure their patients are road-worthy. During the assessment, Lilliness pays attention not only to navigation ability and recognition of right-of-ways, but to particular issues, such as memory, that can affect driving skills. (For example, in some cases, a driver may have kinetic memory with how to operate the car, but will forget his or her destination.) Lilliness’s general advice to drivers is to build good habits early. “Good technique will always serve you well,” he says. AAA has other senior driving resources available on its website.

Olson recommends that seniors also take part in CarFit, a cost-free, 20-minute session which determines whether the driver is physically comfortable in his or her vehicle. Church parking lots and community center parking lots are good places to hold Carfit sessions. Some instructors will schedule a session for Day Two of the classroom course. You’ll find there are remedies for some of the most basic comfort issues. Do you have a clear line of sight at least three inches above the steering wheel, or is an adjustment needed? Do you fit comfortably and safely in your seat, or could you use a tapered seat cushion? Do you need pedal extenders installed so that your feet can reach the pedals without difficulty? The Carfit checklist covers 12 main items, and anything that’s not a good fit is flagged for attention. At that point, you should consult with an occupational therapist for the best ways to make your car comfortable. Olson says, “If you’re a comfortable driver, you’re going to be a safe driver. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re going to be concerned about the discomfort, and it takes away from the driving.”

Author: Michele Horwitz