Stephen Blucher, AARP Foundation driver safety instructor,†presented a driver safety class in March to 17 people at the Black Forest†Lutheran Church. The AARP Foundation sponsored the class, and AARP Chapter 1100 in Black†Forest hosted the class, which was open to the public. ††At the end of the class, each attendee received a certificate to present their insurance†company. According to Colorado law, an automobile insurance company must provide a discount on automobile insurance if a driver takes the driver safety class at†least every three†years.†The amount of discount varies†with different insurance companies.†† † † † †The class wasnít just for seniors — all ages could learn from it. Some of the highlights: Yearly eye exams are recommended because eyes†change†slowly, and most individuals†do not realize it.†Keeping a list of medications in your car or on your phone in case of an†accident is also†important.†Know what the†side effects are from the medications.†Always†be alert to what is happening outside your car because the other person may not†be†looking out for†you.†Always scan†around your vehicle to see where every else is.†All vehicles have blind spots. Don’t just rely on your mirrors. If your†vehicle did not come with†blind spot†mirrors, they are available at most stores; and you can apply them yourself.† † † † † † † † † † † † †† † † † †Winter is tricky: slippery roads, snowdrifts in the road,†sloppy wet streets and cold temperatures. Keep your windows clear!†A tiny†clear†spot in the windshield may not†give you an all-around view of traffic.†The rear window needs to be swept clean.†Auto parts stores carry a windshield deicer in†a spray†can, and they work well. They melt the snow and ice in just a few†seconds.†Remember though, keep it by†your winter coat or boots; it won’t do any†good if it’s in the car†and the†doors are frozen.† † † † †If you’ve had any type of head injury, it may have slowed†down your reaction time.†Stay vigilant†and expect the unexpected; a split second is enough†time to†have or avoid an†accident.†Don’t assume that a car with a†turn signal on is really turning, or just because it says turn lane only that†the car will turn.†Pay attention,†wait a†second to be sure what the other car is doing.†Here is an important fact: going the speed limit is great, but if†everyone around you is going†faster, you end up†with a line of cars behind you cursing and waving one finger. This can get you a ticket.† † † † †The next driver safety class hosted by the Black Forest AARP†Chapter will be held Oct.17. Call 1-800-687-2277 or go online at†AARP.org/driver†if†you want an earlier class in your area.† † † † †The Black Forest AARP Chapter meets the second Wednesday of†each month at the Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road.†The†chapter†motto is ìTo Serve not to be†Served.î†Dues are $10 per year.†The chapter will co-host a free personal†document shredding event in Black Forest on†June 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Black Forest Lutheran Church at 12455 Black Forest Road. Stay tuned for more information. For†more information on AARP Chapter 1100, contact Chuck at†719-749-9227 or visit the†http://aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com†
