“Things change” was the theme of a free smart drivers safety course held at Cherry Hill Manor last Wednesday and coordinated by Loraine DiLorenzo, the facility’s director of marketing.
The course was held through AARP’s Driver Safety Program, which provides a refresher course for drivers who are 50 years and older. Nearly 40 people attended the event.
“Cherry Hill Manor holds events like these because we are a member of the community and we work hard to give back to our community,” DiLorenzo said. “There was a need in the community because there was a program scheduled nearby that was cancelled.”
Anthony Ballirano, deputy state coordinator for Rhode Island’s smart driver program, taught the course. He has been a volunteer for the program for 20 years.
“The purpose of this course is to provide a refresher to individuals on their driving techniques, reviewing the rules of the road, and other safety measures prevalent today that will save people’s lives as well as their own,” he said.
According to the AARP coursebook that was handed out during the class, approximately 30 percent of fatal crashes involving drivers age 65 and older occur at intersections. Drive over age 85 have the highest fatality rates per mile driven.
A draw for those who attended this event was the chance to obtain a discount on their auto insurance policy. Depending on the participant’s insurance provider, the discount is valid between two to three years. Once that period of time runs out, the individual has to retake the course.
Even with the temptation of saving money on insurance, some who attended went to gain a new perspective on driving.
“The course provided updated information, things that you have forgotten, things that have changed,” said Algeria V. Bailey who heard about the event through the Johnston Senior Center.
DiLorenzo hopes there will be another driver safety course held at Cherry Hill later this year. For more information on community events happening at Cherry Hill Manor, call 401-231-3102, ext. 6385. To find out more about the AARP Driver Safety Program, visit aarp.org/drc.
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