| AARP 55 and ALIVE DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM |

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's license, but even the most experienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills.

By taking a driver safety course you'll learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. In addition, you'll learn:

•How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots •How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car

•The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy intersections

•Proper use of safety belts, air bags, antilock brakes and new technology found in cars today

•Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities

•The effects of medications on driving

•The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking and using a cellphone After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.

(source: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-05-2010/why-take-a-driver-safety-course.html)

The Montpelier Police Department has two certified instructors for the AARP Driver's Safety Program. We randomly offer classes, which are oftentimes free to the public. Check here or on our training calendar for available classes.