FLORENCE, Wis. –The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County will host two separate AARP Smart Driver Courses on consecutive Mondays, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.

The courses will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College building in Aurora. Participants do not need to attend both classes.

The course is geared toward drivers 50-plus; however, licensed drivers of all ages are welcome, and there are no tests. Participants may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance premiums as well. The class is open to both Wisconsin and Michigan residents.

The AARP Smart Driver Course covers defensive driving techniques. The course also provides practical techniques for adjusting to normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging to ensure the driver’s safety and that of others on the road.

During the course, participants learn about current rules of the road (including roundabouts), and how to operate their vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment.

Topics covered include: maintaining proper following distance, minimizing the effect of dangerous blind spots, limiting driver distractions, proper use of safety belts, air bags, and other car features, effects of medications upon driving, maintaining physical flexibility, monitoring the driving skills and capabilities of yourself and others.

Cost is $20 for AARP members, and $25 for non-members; class fees pay for workshop materials. Participants should bring an AARP membership card and driver’s license to the class. There will be a break for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Lunch is available on-site at the ADRC’s Senior Dining Center, or those attending are welcome to bring their own. For seniors 60 and older, a $4 donation is suggested; those younger than 60 should ask when registering. Reservations are required for lunch, as spots are limited.

Register for the class by Wednesday, Sept. 28, by calling 715-528-4890, or stopping between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays in lower-level room 125 at the Florence County Courthouse, 501 Lake Ave.