King's Daughters Medical Center - AARP Alive Safe Driving Classes

What is it?

This Safe Driving Class is the AARP 55 Alive program, composed of a new four-hour curriculum designed specifically for mature drivers. It covers a variety of topics including possible changes in vision, hearing and reaction time in drivers over the age of 50 and how to compensate for those changes. Safe-driving strategies are presented based on new “Rules of the Road” and a review of things forgotten. General information on roads and highways is covered, including signage, and an overview of features now included in many vehicles highlights their safety features and proper use.

Who is it for?

Residents of the city of Brookhaven and surrounding communities who are 55 years of age or older. There is a nominal fee of $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-AARP members to cover the cost of AARP materials.

Why do they do it?

This class assists the community’s seniors in refreshing and sharpening their skills behind the wheel. In Mississippi, individuals that complete the class earn a certificate that might enable them to get a discount on their automobile insurance. For discounts to continue, the individual must be re-certified every three years.

Impact

The medical center has offered the class, taught by a certified community educator, several times a year for eight years. Class sizes have ranged from 6 to 25 students per class. About 150 students have completed the class, with many of them coming back for the three-year re-certification. Classes are usually scheduled once a call is received asking for the class. The class is then advertised on local radio stations and in newspapers.

Contact: Kim Bridge, RN
Community Educator
Telephone: 601-835-9406
E-mail: kbridge@kdmc.org