OLDER DRIVERS: COURSE TEACHES SAFE DRIVING TIPS

The way Robert Harper figures it, he has forgotten more about driving than those young motorists he shares the road with have learned so far.

Harper teaches a course to help older drivers refresh their memories and improve their skills.

The class, called "55 Alive," is designed and offered by the American Association for Retired Persons.

After four decades of driving, Harper concedes that eyesight isn't what it used to be, hearing isn't what it used to be, reflexes aren't what they used to be.

But it's not necessarily bad news. Older drivers can be safe drivers if they are smart drivers, Harper said.

In fact, statistics show that the percentage of traffic accidents is higher for drivers ages 16 to 25 than drivers ages 65 to 75. But, drivers over age 75 have the most accidents.

Harper's goal is to prevent accidents for all ages. "Everyone could benefit from these tips," he said.

Students learn ways to compensate for the effects of aging on driving.

In fact, a part of the course is driver calisthenics, exercises designed to improve flexibility.

The course also includes tips to compensate for vision problems and hearing loss and cautions about drug side-effects.

The result, Harper said, is a driver who is aware of his limitations and prepared to take steps to adjust.

As part of the course, drivers review the Missouri Driver's Manual, that little book clutched by teen-agers approaching their 16th birthdays.

"Remember when you first took your driver's test?" Harper asked. "Well, it's time to remember again."

The book contains all sorts of information, Harper explained. including little known instructions: In Missouri you are supposed to sound your horn when passing.

"Do you switch lanes without signaling or without using your mirrors?" he asked. You shouldn't.

"Everything is going so fast on highways, you have to look ahead of the car in front of you to see the next car. You just have to be on your toes."

For older driver, being on their toes may require more effort than in years past.

"I find that I have limitations now," Harper said. "I get tired."

He also gets stiff. "You know -- arthritis sets in."

As a safety precaution, drivers should plan frequent breaks to get out of the car and stretch.

In Missouri, drivers, regardless of age, have their licenses renewed every three years. In other states, laws have been enacted requiring older drivers to take vision tests and sometimes driving tests more often.

Harper said he would be in favor of testing drivers over 70 on a more frequent basis. "Of course no one wants to lose their license, but conditions can change so fast," he said.

For now, Harper recommends that drivers, especially those over age 60, take a defensive driving course.

An additional benefit may be possible. Some companies offer a discount for graduates of defensive driving classes, like "55 Alive."

The course is taught over two days and will be offered Tuesday and Thursday at Southeast Missouri Hospital. It is sponsored by the American Association for Retired Persons and costs $8. The course doesn't include any actual driving. For information, call 243-2396.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Safe Driving tips Keep a 3-second "safety cushion" between you and the car in front of you. To do this, find a tree, traffic sign or other stationary item onthe roadside. Once the rear of the car ahead passes the object, you should be able to count "1001, 1002, 1003" before arriving at the same object. Plan your trips and drive your plan. Plan your route before you start out so you can concentrate your efforts on driving rather than navigating. Avoid heavily traveled or high speed areas, rush hour traffic, difficult left turns and bad weather. If you will be taking an unfamiliar route at night, try to make a trial run during the daylight. Always be alert for the unexpected while driving. Accept the fact that driving demands your full attention. Don't daydream but concentrate on your driving. Look down the road far enought ahead to get a big picture of what is ahead. Turn off your radio or keep it at a very low volume, except to obtain emergency information, such as inclement weather conditions. Don't drive when you are under stress. Use passengers as co-pilots to help you navigate in traffic. Otherwise keep talking to a minimum. Get regular eye check-ups at least once a year. Clean both outside and inside of your windshield and windows. When you clean the windshield, clean the mirrors and headlights. Dirt can reduce headlight output by 70 percent.

How aging may affect drivingCataracts -- Opacity or clouding of the eye's lens, reducing contrast sensitivity and clarity of objects seen.Arthritis -- Severe pain and weakness; limited movement.Hearing lossOrganic heart disease -- May cause reduced or blurred vision.Arteriosclerosis -- Slowed reactions, nervousness, disorientation and numbness of extremities.Cardiac arrhythmias -- Dizziness or fainting.Osteoporosis -- Limited range of head, arm and foot movement.Glaucoma -- Gradual loss of vision, reduces night vision, peripheral vision and ability to see images clearly.Eyesight -- Aging may also affect the ability to see object clearly at all distances, to see in low light levels, to recover from a strong light or glare, and to discrimate different colors.Many medications affect driving -- Drugs taken for conditions ranging from allergies to high blood pressure can cause side effects including drowsiness or dizziness or blurred vision. Check with your doctor.Alcohol -- As the body ages, its ability to break down alcohol slows. Alcohol stays in the body of an older person longer. Alcohol has more of an effect on an older person than a younger person, and alcohol and medications can combine to cause serious imparements.