Local senior citizens will have the opportunity to learn about defensive driving and driving safety strategies during an AARP Smart Driver Course that will be held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle this spring. This is a community service course offered though UMPI’s Conferences and Special Programs Office and sponsored and coordinated by Seniors Achieving Greater Education [SAGE], UMPI’s senior college.

The AARP Smart Driver Course will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in UMPI’s Campus Center, Room 118. The course teaches valuable defensive driving skills and provides a refresher of the rules of the road. Designed for people 50 years of age and older, the AARP Smart Driver Course has helped more than 14 million seniors learn about how changes in vision, hearing and physical health can affect driving and gain tips that help them adapt to these natural changes that come as they age.

Participants will learn proven safety strategies to help keep them safer while on the road. In addition, those who complete the course may qualify for an automobile insurance discount. Individuals should check with their auto insurance company or agent for details.

Space is limited; the public is encouraged to register before March 15 by calling UMPI’s Conferences and Special Programs Office at 207-768-9502. Class begins promptly at 10 a.m., so participants are encouraged to arrive about 20 minutes early to get started. Participants can bring their own bagged lunch, snack and drink, or purchase food and beverages in the campus cafeteria or store.

The classroom fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks should be made payable on registration and made out to AARP—Smart Driver.

For more information about this course, please contact Penny Kern at 207-200-6311.