Driver safety needs to be discussed
To the editor:
Many families avoid any discussion about safe driving and don’t consider transportation alternatives for their loves ones until there is a crisis. There are things adult children can do to help their parents stay safe on the road before a crisis. For example, families can urge their loved ones to speak with a doctor about the effects their medications and overall health may be having on their ability to drive. Families can also engage an occupational therapy specialist to conduct an independent assessment of their loved one’s driving ability and safety behind the wheel.
No matter the situation, We Need to Talk (WNTT) online at www.aarp.org/weneedtotalk helps adult children better understand how to speak with their parents about driver safety and how to approach the topic of their one day hanging up the keys. WNTT can also help adult children become aware of certain warning signs that it might be time to hang up the keys is part of the AARP Driver Safety Program.
The Driver Safety Program reviews some of the basic skills and rules that can keep us safe on the road. Since 1979, more than 10 million people have completed the course. Available to everyone over the age of 50, the course focuses on accident prevention measures, how to deal with aggressive drivers, and new rules and technology that affect driving. As a bonus, in Maine insurance companies are mandated to offer discounts to drivers who have completed this convenient and affordable program.
Make it a family outing. It’s easy to find a class and enroll through AARP’s website and why not save a little on insurance?
Tom Harvey,
State coordinator
AARP Driver Safety Program Hartford
