SMOKEY POINT Tom Monroe wants motorists ages 50 and up to stay safe on the roads, which is why he shows up at the Stillaguamish Senior Center, on the second Wednesday and Thursday of each month, to teach 55 Alive defensive driving classes.
Monroe, a deputy state coordinator of the Washington State AARP Driver Safety Program, teaches similar courses at the Ken Baxter Senior Center in Marysville, as well as Stanwood. His aim is not only to refresh older motorists on some of the basics of driving, but also to update them on some of the changes in driving since they first obtained their licenses.
As we age it affects our vision and hearing, Monroe said. Our bodies arent as agile as they used to be. This course tries to take that into account, while reinforcing safe driving practices, such as who should yield first, and covering things like antilock brake systems, since some of us grew up learning to drive on tractors.
Monroe explained that motorists can complete the course in-person or on the Internet, at www.pAARP.org, through an eight-hour course that can be completed in sections. The course costs $10, but it often entitles motorists to discounts on their auto insurance.
Especially now, youre going to be sharing the road with trucks, buses, campers and SUVs, all of which have big blind spots, Monroe said. By taking this class, even if you only learn one new thing from it, you could save lives.