Program Promoting Senior Driving Safety Coming Up

Classes begin soon.Frederick, Md (KM) Seniors, their families and caregivers are invited to attend upcoming classes on safe driving. The event is sponsored by the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence and AARP.The classes begin on Wednesday, July 23rd, and will instruct participants on enhancing driving skills, teaching safe-driving strategies and providing updates on current road rules. There will also be discussions on age-related changes, and how to adjust driving habits accordingly.”The AARP Smart Driver course is an invaluable resource for drivers aged 50 and older.   It equips participants with research-based safe driving strategies, helps them understand the effects of remediation on driving and teaching preventive measures to reduce distractions,:” says Nina Uzick, Driver Safety program Instructor for AARP. “Our goal is to offer strategies that, when implemented, will foster better driving habits and a renewed sense of safety.”The classes are scheduled for:*Wednesday, July 23 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brunswick Senior Center, 12 E. A. Street, Brunswick, MD 21716. Call 301-834-8115 to register.*Thursday, July 24 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center, 101 Prospect Street, Middletown, MD 21769. Call 301-600-3613 to register.*Friday, July 25 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702. Call 301-600-3525 to register.*Monday, September 29 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Urbana Senior Center, 9020 Amelung St., Urbana, MD 21704. Call 301-600-7020 to register.*Tuesday, September 30 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Emmitsburg Senior Center, 300 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Call 301-600-6350 to register.This registration information is as followed:*Registration is required. Call the numbers listed above to register.*The cost is $20 for AARP members (with card) and $25 for non-members.*Payment by check or cash is due on the day of the class.*Bring lunch and your driver’s license.On Thursday, July 24th, there will be a seminar entitled “We Need To Talk.” It will help family members in having conversations with their older relatives on when it’s time for them to give up driving, and use public transit or other means to get around, says the Division of Aging and Independence.”‘Having The Talk’ with family members who may need to consider retiring from driving is challenging,”  says Kitty Devlibiss, Director of Home and Community Connections with the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence. “This seminar will help older adults recognize changes that may affect their ability to drive safety, and assist family and friends in identifying what to look for, and how to initiate that conversation, and what resource are available to support independent travel retiring from driving.”Here are the seminar details:Thursday, July 24 at the Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702.Light supper served from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.The seminar will begin at 6:00 p.m.Please RSVP to virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov or call 301-600-3525.By Kevin McManus