Sikeston, Missouri - The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering a free AARP Driver Safety class, designed for older, experienced drivers. The class will be held Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a break for lunch. It will be located at the Missouri Department of Transportation's Southeast District Office at 2675 North Main St. in Sikeston. 

The class will consist of video presentations, lecture and discussion. There are no tests and will be a number of breaks. The Southeast Coalition is covering the regular class fees of $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Advanced registration is requested. To register, please contact Regional Coalition Contact Sandra Taurone at (573) 388-1259 or via email at sandra.taurone@modot.mo.gov.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom refresher course.

"It is a very informative class, which could help a driver save his/her life or the life of a loved one. While older drivers have fewer crashes than younger drivers, they are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash," said Jim Stricker, a volunteer instructor for the course.

For older drivers, risks to safe driving may arise from health changes affecting vision, hearing or reaction time.

"Safe driving is a challenge for all drivers. Within the class, we will discuss factors that particularly impact older drivers," said Stricker.

He explained during the class, attendees will discuss driving strategies that take into account the effects of aging, common crash situations and ways to reduce the likelihood of a crash. In addition, today's highway system and traffic laws will be reviewed.

"Besides serving as a great refresher course, many insurance companies give a premium discount to individuals for completing a driver safety course," he said.

For more information, please contact Taurone at (573) 388-1259 or via email at sandra.taurone@modot.mo.gov.