A close friend read on the Internet that as of July 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation will implement a set of standard requirements for license renewal for drivers aged 70 and above, focusing on vision, cognition, and physical ability.
But as with much of what you read on the Internet, it is false. According to the fact-checker website Snopes, they found no reputable news outlet reporting such an announcement and confirmed both were likely the products of AI software.
Even though the rumor is false, driving safely is a concern for older adults. In 2022, there were almost 52 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States. That is a 77% increase since 2004! And although drivers aged 65 and older have the lowest rate of car accidents, they have the highest rate of serious injuries.
So, here are some tips to ensure safe driving and to be prepared for potential driver tests.
• Get regular eye exams
• Maintain health records, especially for conditions that might affect driving
• Consult with your doctor about any medical conditions that could potentially impact your driving abilities
• Consider taking a defensive driving course
One of the best defensive driving courses is the AARP Smart Driver course: the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. More than 20 million have taken the course over the past 45-plus years.
The AARP Smart Driver course is offered both online and in person and is self-paced. You can take the course on a smartphone, computer, or tablet at your convenience. You can take it while waiting in the DMV office!
If you are uncomfortable going online or prefer an in-person class, the AARP Smart Driver course will be offered at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles on Aug. 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The course covers the following topics and more:
• Research-based safe driving strategies.
• Information on the effects of medication on driving.
• Preventive measures to reduce driver distractions.
• Proper use of safety belts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and new technology found in cars today.
• Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.
• State-specific rules and regulations in 19 key areas, including construction zones, child safety seats, school buses, and cellphone use.
The cost for the AARP Oregon 6-Hour Smart Driver Online Course is $29.95, and there is a $3 discount for AARP members. Go to the AARP Smart Driver website to get started. The fee for the in-person class is $20 for AARP Members and $25 for Non-Members. Call 541-296-4788 or visit the MCSC website.
Completing the Smart Driver course will help you become a safer and more confident driver. And as a bonus, your auto insurance company may offer a discount for completing the course!
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Brain Tease: This week let’s keep the mathematical teases in the file drawer and instead pull out one using our everyday language.
Each pair of hints below relates to two words. One of the words is the other one spelled backward. What are the six word pairs?
1. light source, rodents; 2. married, moisture; 3. retain, sneaking look; 4. weapons, tight fit; 5. portion, catching device; 6. prize, furniture compartment
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The Beatles’ first No. 1 hit in America was “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” (The Beatle songs that occupied the top five slots on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 4 were: 1. “Can’t Buy Me Love,” 2. “Twist and Shout,” 3. “She Loves You” 4. “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” and 5. “Please, Please Me.”)
I received correct answers from Judy Kiser, Rebecca Abrams, Rose Schulz, Doug Nelson, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Keith Clymer, Rhonda Spies, and Tina Castanares, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
Last week, I had to take two Alka-Seltzers and missed Keith and Marlene Clymer, Eva Summers, Craig Terry, Kim Birge, Pat Evenson-Brady, Glenna Mahurin, Rebecca Abrams, and Debby Chenoweth.
These two cartoon characters from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of animated cartoons first appeared in 1949. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the cunning and devious cartoon character who repeatedly tried to catch the Road Runner, but was always amusingly unsuccessful? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message on my cell phone at 541-980-4645, or send it with a box of Acme explosive tennis balls.
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Well, it’s been another week, trying not to strike out at the bottom of the ninth. Until we meet again, it doesn’t always help to wonder what if.
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“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” — Greek Proverb
Answers:
1. Star, rats; 2. wed, dew; 3. keep, peek; 4. guns, snug; 5. part, trap; 6. reward, drawer.
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