SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – As people age, their driving skills may deteriorate. With the aid of a federal grant, the California
Highway Patrol (CHP) will present the Age
Well, Drive Smart program to provide senior drivers with the necessary
tools to remain safe, independent, and confident on the road.
The
one-year, $150,000 Keeping Everyone Safe
(KEYS) grant, which started October 1, supports the CHP’s Age Well, Drive Smart classes that help familiarize
older drivers with current California driving laws and safe driving
practices.
Aging
leads to changes in physical, mental, and sensory skills that affect a person’s
ability to drive safely, but senior drivers may not be aware of these
changes. For many older drivers, a
broader awareness of the solutions, rather than a focus on the problem, is the
key to continued safe driving. The Age Well, Drive Smart program includes a
self-assessment to help senior drivers identify these changes and make
corrections.
“Helping seniors continue to drive safely is key to their independence
and the safety of the motoring public,” said CHP Commissioner Warren
Stanley. “The Age Well, Drive Smart program provides additional education to
seniors and their families to ensure they are able to drive well into their
golden years.”
The
free, two-hour class is offered at CHP Area offices and other venues throughout
the state. Anyone who would like to attend an Age Well, Drive Smart class may contact their local CHP
office. To locate an office near you,
visit www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office.
Funding
for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic
Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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