Course Outline
The AARP Driver Safety Program is designed to help you:
- Understand the effects of aging on driving.
- Learn driving strategies that take into account the changes we experience as we age.
- Identify the most common crash situations we face and reduce the changes of having a crash.
- Update your knowledge and understanding of today's roads, vehicles, and other road users.
- Think about how you drive, and identify when driving may no longer be safe.
The course is structured into eight units that cover a variety of issues.
- Unit 1 begins by turning the focus on ourselves to see what we recall about the rules of driving. We do this by taking a pre-course quiz.
- In Unit 2 we begin to understand the various physical and mental changes that take place as our bodies age. For example, changes in hearing and vision are discussed. Knowing our limitations may help reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. This includes a demonstration of how slower reaction time associated with aging becomes a problem for many of us.
- In Unit 3 we look at the most important driver safety strategies that we can practice to avoid crashes. We start with steps to take before getting behind the wheel. Once on the road, we examine scanning techniques, driving strategies such as using a three-second following distance, keeping a safety cushion, being alert at intersections, safe backing, avoiding head-on crashes, and understanding the dangers of parking lots.
- In Unit 4 we discuss other road users, including those we need to be extra careful around, such as impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers. The risks of cell phone use while driving are noted here. Also, we learn about safe driving with large vehicles such as trucks and buses.
- In Unit 5 we review road signs, signals, and markings, and learn how to handle the unique challenges of city/rural driving. Tips are presented for entering, driving on, and exiting the highway. We also cover how to properly change lanes.
- Unit 6 covers the most important VEHICLE safety features for us to think about. These include air bags, safety belts and anti-lock brakes with information that can help get the most out of these and other features. Some of the new technology found in today's vehicles is discussed.
- In Unit 7 we discuss how to judge our own driver fitness and to think about how we can extend our driving as long as possible. Warning signs of unsafe driving are examined. The sensitive issue of knowing when to choose to retire from driving and how to talk about it is addressed.
- Finally, in Unit 8 we review what we covered in the course, measure what we have learned in a post-course quiz, and explore other transportation resources. We identify safe driving actions to take in the future. This unit contains the "Additional Information and Resources" section with "nice to know" as well as "need to know" information on safe driving practices.
Ready to take the AARP Driver Safety Course? Find a class near you using our site locator. Take the course online.
