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Attention, Napa seniors: The California Highway Patrol has a free class to help older motorists sharpen their driving skills and stay safe behind the wheel.
The program is conducted by CHP volunteers like Jay Jacobs, 78, who said the goal is to “make seniors better and safer drivers.
“As people age, their reactions slow down. Many don’t have the quick response time they did when they were younger,” Jacobs said. “Most of them have been driving for years, but some have forgotten driving safety tips.”
Making a left turn against oncoming traffic is a major concern for senior drivers, he said.
“We suggest they cross the intersection and make three right turns, which puts them in the direction they want to go,” Jacobs said.
The class also stresses that drivers should plan their trips before they hit the road.
“It’s much better and safer to have a route planned than getting on the road not knowing exactly how to get to your destination. Don’t make decisions when you are on the road,” Jacobs said.
Changing lanes is another challenge for some older drivers:
“We stress that drivers look behind them before moving to a different lane. You can’t just rely on the rear view and side mirrors. There are blind spots,” he said.
“For some seniors it is hard to turn their necks. We offer exercises to help with that.”
Marc Horst is another volunteer with the CHP senior drivers program.
“We emphasize eliminating stress from their driving. Allow enough time for your trip. Try to make it a pleasurable experience,” Horst said.
He encourages seniors to use Google maps.
"They will tell you how to get from your home and to your destination. It’s a visual aid,” he said. “GPS is also another tool we suggest.”
Horst said freeway driving can also be troublesome for many seniors.
“Things like merging with traffic can be scary for many of them, especially these days when the volume of traffic can be high.”
Napa CHP officer Jaret Paulson oversees the program and speaks at every class.
“I talk about release of liability when a car is sold. As long as a car is registered in your name, you are responsible for the liability and traffic tickets,” Paulson said.
“If the vehicle is involved in an accident, they can get hounded by collection companies. The burden of proof falls on the registered owner to prove he or she sold the vehicle.”
Paulson said the goal of the class is to help seniors keep their drivers licenses and learn to be safe drivers.
Interested groups can contact the CHP to set up a time and place for the 90-minute class.
“We have gone to the Meadows (Napa retirement community), the Veterans Home in Yountville and several church groups,” Jacobs said.
Upon completion, participants are given a diploma. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts to those who have diplomas, Jacob said.
Citing confidentiality, the CHP declined to release the names of Napans who had taken the class.
To contact the Napa CHP about the senior drivers class, call (707) 253-4906.
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