Butler course builds confidence in senior drivers Have a safe trip
Larry Nunamaker adjusted the steering wheel and side mirrors in his imaginary car.
“Am I still a good driver?” Nunamaker, Seniors for Safe Driving driver improvement consultant, said is something for people to ask themselves. “Age is something we cannot stop.”
A dozen participants refreshed their driving techniques, regained lost confidence and developed a positive driving attitude Wednesday morning during the Seniors for Safe Driving course, a PennDot-approved driver improvement course based in Butler designed specifically for mature drivers 55 and older.
Nunamaker led the three-hour course with a joke, a smile and the serious mission of imparting the importance of road rules and defensiveness behind the wheel.
About 42 million Americans 65 and older are licensed drivers, which represents an increase of nearly 60 percent since 1999, according to a study by The Senior List.
The Senior List also ranks which states have the worst senior drivers using data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Total traffic fatalities also increased by 22 percent for drivers 65 and older.
Not only are more people 65 and older driving than in years past, but more people in this age group are being killed in traffic accidents.
Pennsylvania is one of the top 10 states for the number of senior drivers involved in fatal accidents, which is 270 senior drivers.
Like any other part of a person's life, aging is normal, said Desiree Simpson, Seniors for Safe Driving manager, adding the course normalizes the aging process, while giving seniors the tools to adapt.
Most seniors shy away from the course because they are afraid they will have to take a test or their driver's license will be taken away, she said.
However, the voluntary course is designed to help seniors keep their licenses while keeping them safe on the road, she said.
Eventually, everyone will reach an age where they can no longer drive, Nunamaker said. A person should give themselves an evaluation and be honest with themselves.
At that time, a person should surrender their driver's license rather than have it taken by law enforcement.Alternative modes of transportation, including public transportation and free age-qualifying transportation programs, are available. Do not drive a motor scooter on the road, he said.“There's no reason to think you're stuck,” he said.With age, a person's depth perception and peripheral vision changes, Nunamaker said. Senior drivers also tend to slow down and their reflexes and reaction times are not as quick.At 55, drivers can be chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to take a physical and eye exam, a skills and knowledge test and the driver's test over again.In addition to sharpening driving skills, savings is a bonus of the Seniors for Safe Driving course because participants can earn a discount off their car insurance.One person who took advantage of the opportunity for a second time was Butler resident Delaine McCune.“The course is worth it,” McCune said about how she would recommend other seniors take it.Much of Nunamaker's lessons are situations she said she has witnessed when driving.Nunamaker discussed several lessons and situations senior drivers should keep in mind when they hit the road:The state's Ride on Red law, which went into effect Sept. 18, 2016, allows for any vehicle, car, bicycle or motorcycle, to proceed with caution at an intersection if the traffic signal's vehicle-detection system fails to recognize it. The signal should be treated like a stop sign in this scenario. However, it must be malfunctioning.Senior drivers should remove their handicapped placard when driving, he said. If a person abuses their placard, they could receive a fine because it is obstructing their view.If an elderly person has a pet, the animal should be in a harness seat belt versus in a cage, he said. In the event of a wreck, the animal and cage could become a projectile or the animal could get loose on the road because it is frightened.Put on a set of blinders to road rage situations, he said. Continue to drive and remember the vehicle. If a person stops, they put themselves at risk of the angry person following and confronting them.Seniors on prescription medication should be aware of how they react and its side effects, he said.Be well rested when you drive, he said.For Allison Park resident Bud Baker, who took the class for his second time, the course is a refresher of the actions any age driver should know.“This is a class that brings back thoughts that have become so automatic you've forgotten,” Baker said. “It reminds you of all the things going on when you're driving that you should be thinking about.”
Decrease in confidence while driving.Difficulty turning to see when backing up.Hitting curbs.Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage.Getting lost in familiar places.Difficulty maintaining lane position.Delayed response to unexpected situations.Confusing the gas and break pedal.SOURCE: The Hartford's We Need to Talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers
For more information, call 724-283-0245 or visit seniorsforsafedriving.com. Pre-registration is recommended.Tuition for all Seniors For Safe Driving classes is $16.There are classes in Butler in September. A complete list of dates and locations can be viewed online at seniorsforsafedriving.com.
