California’s senior population is proving to be one of the fastest growing driving-age demographics in the state. It is estimated, there will be over six million residents age 65 and older in California by the year 2020. Knowing that much of this community still relies on driving as their primary means of transportation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is continuing the Age Well Drive Smart program.
The Age Well Drive Smart class is an education program specifically designed to help seniors tune up their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, learn about normal age-related physical changes and how they affect driving ability. The program is supported by the Keeping Everyone Safe IV grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
“During the class, seniors have the opportunity to view curriculum designed to address their needs, share their personal concerns, ask questions, and consider the different options available to them,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
The CHP has partnered with the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s Senior Ombudsman program and other members from both public and private organizations to assess the needs of the senior driving community. The class is approximately two hours and is offered at local CHP offices as well as many senior centers within the community. The class is a great way for our seniors to educate themselves, evaluate their driving abilities, and improve their driving skills.
“We can help better prepare seniors to drive safer for the years ahead,” continued Commissioner Farrow. “Our ultimate goal is saving lives.”
If you or a family member would like to attend an Age Well Drive Smart class, contact your local CHP office. To locate a CHP office near you, visit www.chp.ca.gov.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
