The SCAN Foundation

Being able to drive can make the difference between an independent life and a need to depend on others for essentials such as grocery shopping, doctor visits, and other vital errands. With special classes for older drivers, AARP is trying to help maintain the safety and independence of senior citizens, according to this November 8, 2009 story in the Boston Herald. According to the article, many older people who have taken the class believe that the four-hour refresher course, which covers fundamentals such as backing up properly, driving and braking in bad weather, and driving alongside larger vehicles, should be required of all drivers. “We publicize it as the roads have changed, our vehicles have changed, but more importantly we have changed just with age,” said AARP instructor Ed O’Connor. “So there’s a lot of changes that have gone on and this is the perfect time to come back in and get a little bit of a classroom refresher.”