Senator Scott Wilk, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol and SCV Senior Center, held a senior driver safety course titled, “Age Well, Drive Smart.”

The free two-hour driving class was geared toward drivers 55 years of age and older, according to officials.

“Our senior population is getting older as generations go, so we have more seniors on the road,” said Officer Josh Greengard with the Newhall CHP office. “It’s good to get them in here to let them know what they can and can’t do and educate them on the rules of the road.”

Almost 100 people filled the center’s multipurpose room where senior volunteers from the Newhall CHP office gave a presentation on myths and tips for older drivers.

“Everybody can benefit from a refresher course on driving,” said Senator Scott Wilk. “We want everybody to be empowered and be in control of their own life and one of the ways to do that is to be able to navigate around town.”

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During the safety course, senior volunteers covered topics such as basic road courtesy, information on the impact visual or hearing impairments have on driving ability, tips on avoiding or offsetting hazardous road conditions, and improving driving performance.

Drivers also received an update on changes the state and local legislatures have made to rules of the road and vehicle equipment.

“The courses are important for our seniors because a lot of them come to a point where they may no longer be safe to drive,” said Natalie Soto, the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the SCV Senior Center. “This course is a good reinforcer to educate the seniors on safe driving and for them to recognize when they come to that point where they should give the keys to their children or a loved one so that they keep themselves safe and the community safe.”

And although this course was held at the SCV Senior Center, Greengard says that it is offered at the Newhall CHP office with a smaller group of 10 to 15 people throughout the year.

“We’re trying to implement it here because we know there’s a lot of seniors in the valley and we want to make sure that they’re safe when they get behind the wheel,” added Greengard.

Some of the warning signs to limit or stop driving include:

–      Feeling nervous, fearful or angry while driving

–      Dents and scrapes on the car, curbs, or fences

–      Ignoring signs and signals

–      Frequent “close calls” or collisions

–      Other drivers honk at you

–      Being easily distracted while driving

–      Difficulty turning your head to check over your shoulder

–      Having difficulty finding your parked vehicle

For more information about safe senior driving, visit the website for the Department of Motor Vehicles here.

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