Otsego County Commission on Aging to present AARP safe driving course

Gaylord Herald Times
·1 min read

GAYLORD — The Otsego County Commission on Aging will be hosting two sessions of the AARP Smart Driver Course next month.

The course is the nation’s largest classroom and online driver safety course and is designed specifically for drivers over 50. By taking the AARP Smart Driver Course drivers learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate a vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment.

The Smart Driver Course is a refresher designed to help drivers learn the following:

  • Research-based safety strategies that can reduce the likelihood of having a crash.

  • Proper use of technology in the vehicle when linked with the driver and road environment.

  • How age-related changes, medications, alcohol, or health issues affect driving ability.

  • Knowing the importance of eliminating distractions when sharing the road with others.

  • Discover the newest or latest safety and advanced features in vehicles.

  • Ways to monitor your own and others’ driving skills and capabilities.

  • Explore other options for travel when driving may no longer be safe.

There are no tests to pass.

Upon completion, drivers may be eligible for a discount on auto insurance. The classroom course costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members (cash or check only, no credit or debit cards, before the first session begins). Bring a valid Michigan driver license and AARP card, if you have one.The course will be offered on July 18 and 19 at the Otsego County Commission on Aging (OCCOA) at 1165 Elkview Dr. in Gaylord. The sessions are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and drivers must attend both. Contact OCCOA Customer Service at (989) 732-1122 for more information.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Otsego County Commission on Aging to present AARP safe driving course