Sunday, February 17, 2013
The AARP course is similar to a beginning driver's ed class. The manual focuses on tricky aspects of
Aware of the risks of driving car rentals italy convertible at an age when eyesight dims, hearing dials down and flexibility wanes, Lester went to the Surprise Senior Center for a "refresher driving course" offered by the American Association of Retired People.
Drivers between 50 and 75 have no more crashes than other age groups, but they are at a higher risk for being injured or killed when they do crash. And after 75, drivers have crash rates equal to those of motorists who are 16 to 24 years old, and are more likely to die in an accident.
The AARP course is similar to a beginning car rentals italy convertible driver's ed class. The manual focuses on tricky aspects of driving, such as judging when traffic is clear enough to turn left and when to yield the right-of-way. Together these maneuvers cause 60 percent of accidents car rentals italy convertible for older drivers, largely because of vision problems and physical inflexibility. Eyes let in less light as they age yet are more sensitive to glare. Peripheral vision narrows, reducing what the course euphemistically called the "attentional window."
The course also includes a chapter called "Knowing When to Choose car rentals italy convertible to Retire From Driving," with a checklist that included hazards such as being overwhelmed by signs, pedestrians, signals and other driving clutter, difficulty in judging gaps in traffic and the realization that "other drivers seem to be honking at me."
"It's all stuff you don't want to learn when you're my age," said Nancy Wendler, a 62-year-old Sun City West resident who took the class for the insurance discount. "It's all about slowing down - how much worse your reflexes are. Your eyesight is dimming."
Experts car rentals italy convertible suggest that older drivers scale back gradually. Stop driving at night, stay off the freeway, stick to destinations you know and stay on familiar roads. They also advise learning your transportation options before driving becomes dangerous.
The two most common violations by senior drivers are failing to yield the right of way and making improper left turns. These are followed by improper lane changes and failure to obey stop signs and traffic lights.
car rentals italy convertible Changes in sight are among the most challenging for seniors, who face reduced depth perception and peripheral vision. Hearing problems can be a hazard, and mental and physical acuity go down, reducing reaction time. Physical inflexibility can be improved with exercise and some car accessories can aid hearing problems.
Friends and family should look for warning car rentals italy convertible signs: The senior might have caused dents on the car, mailbox and garage; might fail to signal properly; hesitate at turns; drive too fast or too slow; get lost; receive tickets; have trouble moving foot between the gas and brake pedals; and show other signs of deteriorated driving skills. AARP recommends having car rentals italy convertible several conversations with the driver. Senior motorists should keep a driving diary and consider other ways of getting around.
Enroll in the AARP Driver Safety Program by calling 888-227-7669 to find a location or go to: www.aarp.org/drive . The class also is offered online. Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for a discount. The class costs $12.
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