MANDAN, ND (KXNET) — A handful of drivers packed the Mandan Golden Age Senior Center on Tuesday for a class that aims to keep people safer behind the wheel, no matter their age.
The AARP Smart Driver Course is a four-hour classroom program that helps drivers refresh their knowledge, learn new safety techniques, and understand how some of the newer technology on cars can make driving safer. The class isn’t taught behind the wheel; it’s all discussion, videos, and tips designed to help participants adjust to changes on the road and in themselves.
“It helps drivers of all ages,” said Dale Nabben, an AARP Driver Safety instructor. “Even if you learn just one thing that makes you a safer driver, it’s worth it.”
AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people 50 and older. Its Driver Safety program is the largest refresher course of its kind in the country.
Nabben said one of the most important lessons is how to properly adjust mirrors to reduce blind spots, which he says can make a big difference. The course also covers safe following distances, managing distractions, and how aging can affect vision and reaction time.
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“The roads are busy, they’re dangerous, and not everybody obeys the rules,” Nabben said. “As we age, our bodies change, and we have to accommodate for that.”
In addition to the classroom course, AARP offers CarFit, a program where trained volunteers check how a driver “fits” in their car, from seat height to mirror placement, to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Participants who complete the Smart Driver course may also qualify for a discount on their car insurance, depending on their provider.
Another Smart Driver class is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at House of Prayer in Bismarck. This class with also be taught by Dale Nabben.
For more information or to register, visit AARP Driver Safety: Online and Classroom Courses.
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