Changing vehicles, technology, road rules, and even roads - driving today is not the same as it was years ago.
Callaway County residents can refresh their skills and possibly save money on their car insurance with the AARP Smart Driver course, offered at Fulton City Hall this week. The event will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at 18 E. Fourth St.
The classroom-type course is indoors and driving is not required, according to instructor Robert McElligott. From Middletown, once upon a time, he raised funding for four hospitals, and also was a substance abuse counselor.
But after he took an AARP driving course, and then another, he decided to become the teacher.
"It's a very good program," McElligott said. "People really enjoy it."
The first two times, he took the course online.
"I took it once, and then every three years to get a discount on my auto insurance," he said.
The nearest classroom course was several hours away, and McElligott said he thought he could fix that by volunteering to teach area classroom courses.
"I became an instructor three years ago," he said.
The city of Fulton has hosted the course for more than 10 years. Participants should bring their driver's licenses, and make checks payable to AARP. The cost for members is $15; $20 for non-members. Members should bring their AARP cards. Participants can register by calling the Fulton Parks Recreation Department at 573-592-3190.
In addition to the four-hour course, participants get a 124-page AARP Smart Driver Guidebook with many helpful suggestions, lists and references.
"Since 1979, AARP Driver Safety has helped over 16 million drivers stay safe, educated and confident behind the wheel. Every driver can benefit from a refresher," said Kyle K. Rakow, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety.
Most drivers don't have a problem surrendering to age, McElligott said.
"Our youth passing is not really the most challenging part - it's dealing with other drivers," he added. "It's watching out for people texting or following too closely."
Then there's making left turns, which many companies - such as the U.S. Postal Service and UPS - have banned drivers from doing because of the dangers.
"Then there's merging and safety things like having the lights on with the windshield wipers," McElligott said.
And then learning to be more alert on roads that are just plain dangerous.
"Interstate 70, for sure. Some people are just playing NASCAR out there," he added.
There are no tests required to pass the course, and many participants may be eligible for a multi-year insurance discount after taking the course. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance agent to see if they are eligible.
Most of the people taking the AARP Driver Safety course tend to be in their mid 70s, McElligott said.
"By using the simple strategies presented in the course, I have avoided crashes," McElligott added. "Others have told me it helped them avoid crashes, too."
For more general information about the AARP Driver Safety course, go to aarp.org/drive or call 888-227-7669 (recorded line).