Although Mary Barber and Mistie Harrison have been driving for decades, they both learned something new on Wednesday.
When they were teenagers, Barber, 77, and Harrison, 81, were both taught to “pump the brake,” meaning to repeatedly press and release the brake pedal, if skidding on a slippery roadway.
However, in the 1990s, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were popularized as a standard safety feature to minimize the risk of accidents, especially on slippery or wet surfaces. For ABS to work best, drivers should not pump the brakes when stopping and should instead apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.
Barber and Harrison learned this updated technique at the first of a series of driver education events in Frederick County to help older drivers refuel their roadside knowledge and know when to retire from driving.
“I still thought we were supposed to pump the brakes and here was the first time I learned the brakes have changed and you should never pump the brakes,” Barber said while attending the course at the Brunswick Senior Center on Wednesday.
The Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence recently partnered with AARP to offer “Safe Driver Program” classes and a “We Need to Talk” seminar to enhance driver safety.
The series offers five classes at senior centers across Frederick County and is open to anyone, but tailored to drivers age 50 and older, AARP’s target demographic.
Following the first Safe Driver Program class at the Brunswick Senior Center, a second session is being held at the Middletown Senior Center on Thursday. Three more sessions are scheduled for the series in Frederick, Urbana and Emmitsburg.
Registration is required for the class and costs $20 for card-carrying AARP members and $25 for non-members. Attendees must pay by cash or check on the day of the class and are asked to bring a lunch and their driver’s license.
Older drivers, their families, friends and caregivers are also invited to attend a free “We Need to Talk” seminar to learn about the significance of driving, alternatives to driving and planning conversations with family members who might need to retire from driving.
The seminar will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Frederick Senior Center on Taney Avenue.
“Having ‘The Talk’ with family members who may need to consider retiring from driving is challenging,” Kitty Devilbiss, a representative from the Division of Aging and Independence, said in a press release. “This seminar will help older adults recognize changes that may affect their ability to drive safely and assist family and friends in identifying what to look for, how to initiate that conversation and what resources are available to support independent travel after retiring from driving.”
“Everyone sees it, feels it, smells it, hears it, but nobody wants to talk about,” Nina Uzick, an AARP driver safety instructor, said in an interview on Wednesday. “This is a way to structure the environment.”
Those interested in attending the “We Need to Talk” seminar should RSVP by emailing virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov or calling 301-600-3525.
At each of the five Safe Driver Program classes, participants are taught research-based safe driving strategies throughout the day-long session.
At the Brunswick Senior Center, participants discussed improving flexibility and strength, what preventative measures can be taken to reduce distractions and how to navigate age-based changes, such as the effects of medication on driving.
Routine driving actions, such as checking blind spots or moving a foot from the gas to the brake require both coordination and endurance. Practicing yoga and stretching can enhance a driver’s flexibility and control needed for these movements.
Additionally, mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles and quizzes, help maintain the mental strength essential for safe driving.
Participants Barber and Harrison also received a refresher on Maryland driving laws, which have changed since they both began driving as teenagers.
Wednesday’s session was led by Uzick, who has been volunteering with AARP for 14 years.
Uzick explained that many older drivers take the initiative of self-limiting their own driving, through decisions such as not driving at night, in inclement weather or on high-speed highways.
“When drivers are aware of their environment, they’re aware of themselves, they’re aware of the updates and the laws,” Uzick said. “They’re aware of technology and understanding technology.”
At the end of the safe driver course, participants receive a certificate of completion. In Maryland, proof of completing an approved driver’s education course can result in insurance discounts from certain companies.
“I just wanted to learn more about the new laws and wanted to improve my driving because I think everybody, especially seniors, need to have a refresher,” Harrison said of taking the course. “I’d even recommend it for young people, everybody really. It’s something that everybody should go through.”