SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Council on Aging will be hosting a driving course at the senior center on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
The course is being taught by a representative from AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), a nationwide-lobbying group that provides assistance for senior citizens.
This is a free course for Southwick residents that are 60-years-old or older. People that live outside of Southwick and are at least 50-years old or older are also welcome to sign up for the course at a cost of $15 for AARP members or $20 for non-members.
The AARP driving course will be free to Southwick residents who are 60-years old or older. (WNG File Photo)
The Southwick Council on Aging is receiving funding from the Southwick Police Department in order to support the cost of the course.
Chief of Police Kevin Bishop sees this class as an important tool for seniors.
“The Southwick Police Department is very pleased to be a co- sponsor of this worthwhile event,” said Bishop. “We all at times need refreshers in our life and I think this would be a very great program.”
Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan is hopeful that seniors in the area will see this course as a benefit as she’s always looking to offer new programs at the senior center.
“I just think it’s about refreshing people’s memories,” said Sullivan. “Laws have changed, technology has definitely changed in these cars, and the roads are now different.”
During the course attendees will learn about the current rules of the road, defensive driving tactics, and how to operate your vehicle safer in the modern driving environment. The representative of AARP will also discuss the effects of medications while operating a vehicle, the correct use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes, and also eliminating distractions while driving.
Space is limited and anyone interested should register soon by calling the Council on Aging at 413-569-5498.
