The Senior Center will once again offer American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Driver Safety classes in Guilford starting in January. These classes have not been conducted in some time due to pandemic restrictions and the courses are already filling up, according to Senior Center staff.

The classes will be conducted in January through June 2022 at the Community Center, with one class offered per month from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. There will also be an evening class on May 18 for patrons as well, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Senior Supervisor Terry Buckley said these classes have been a popular and important course offering for Guilford seniors. Participants have found these four-hour presentations to be extremely beneficial in not just reenforcing traditional driving techniques, but also for the updated training on recent developments in driver safety.

“The AARP Driver Safety courses generally fills with approximately 20 people per session. Since we have not run it for over a year due to the pandemic, I would imagine there will be pent-up demand for the program,” said Buckley.

According to Buckley, there are a number of benefits to the program.

“One of the primary benefits is that many insurance companies provide a discount on the insurance if you can show that you completed the program. Participants are provided with a certificate they can show their insurance,” Buckley said. “Many seniors also welcome the refresher of many driving rules and suggestions that help them to become a safer driver for themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. Being able to remain a safe driver allows seniors to maintain more independence.”

Buckley also said that seniors or their family determine that it’s no longer safe for them to drive, they don’t have to worry about getting to appointments, to the community center, or shopping or becoming isolated. The Town of Guilford has an extensive bus program for residents 55 and over that transports residents anywhere in Guilford and to medical appoints from West Haven to Westbrook.

The Classes

According to the AARP, these courses are comprehensive and stress a number of important safety factors for seniors who are behind the wheel, including dealing with aggressive drivers, understanding local laws and ordinances, and even vehicle maintenance.

Some of the other topics include instruction in the effects of medication on driving, how to reduce driver distractions, how to maintain the proper following distance behind another car, and also the proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and new technology found in cars today.

AARP District Coordinator and Volunteer Instructor Bill Ridolfi said there are numerous benefits for seniors and these courses build confidence.

“This course really addresses behaviors that you have to develop. We cover a number of topics, all of which benefit senior drivers,” Ridolfi said. “We cover medication, hearing, mirror Adjustment, and then how to be smart on the road. We demonstrate and show examples that older drivers have trouble with. The first and most deadly is making left-hand turns at intersections and the other is merging on highways. [Another] is distraction. Older drivers can be easily distracted, so we cover all of this in the course.”

According to Ridolfi, most Connecticut insurance companies also offer a five percent discount to drivers who successfully pass the course.

According to AARP, about 30 years ago, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began sounding the alarm about the increase of aging drivers. As the number of senior drivers grew, it was assumed that would translate into more auto crashes and fatalities, however that did not occur.

A recent study found that as the population aged, there was actually a significant decline in fatal crashes among drivers 70 and older, especially compared to middle-aged drivers, according to the AARP.

It’s not just that older drivers are driving more safely, said Ridolfi, improvements in overall senior health and safer vehicles have also contributed to the counterintuitive decline in the fatality and accident numbers.

According to Ridolfi, those who are under age 55 can help by being patient and recognizing that senior drivers will be more cautious and often driving at slower speeds. The senior population along the shoreline is only increasing and all drivers need to simply drive in a more thoughtful and considerate manner because slower drivers are a part of the driving conditions now.

These classes do have a fee: $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Checks are preferred and should be made out to AARP and cash must be exact change. You will also need your current driver’s license and AARP membership card as well.

To register for the classes, visit the Community Center at 32 Church Street or call the Parks & Recreation Department at 203-453-8086.