MOUNT VERNON — Drivers 50 and older can save money on auto insurance this year by attending an AARP Driver Safety Program, presented by the Knox County Task Force for Older Adults.
Upon finishing the four-hour course, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which, if presented to most insurance providers, will qualify older adults for a safe driver’s discount.
The seven-unit course is designed to not only review the “rules of the road,” but to help older adults adjust to changes in vision, hearing and reaction time that occur with age.
“It’s a reminder course and a reality course,” said Paul Higgins, KCTFOA volunteer and AARP certified course instructor. “As we get older, everything doesn’t work the same, so the idea behind the course is to bring everyone back into the here and now — what’s going on with you as a senior driver, what’s going on with the laws and what’s going on with the changes in automobiles.”
To participate, citizens must bring their current Ohio Driver’s License and payment of the participation fee.
There is a cost for the program. AARP members receive a small discount.
The course will be held in four different locations throughout Knox County during the month of August, including:
•The Centerburg Senior Center on Aug. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 625-5056 to register.
•The Fredericktown Senior Citizens Activity Center on Aug. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 694-2956, ext. 4300, to register.
•The Danville Sanctuary Community Action on Aug. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 599-7244 to register.
•The Knox County Health Department on Aug. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 399-8014 to register.
Each location has a target participation of 25 members, so Higgins advises interested seniors to register early.
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization that helps people 50 and older improve the quality of their lives and remain independent.
“It’s all about looking out for seniors,” Higgins said.
