Page 31 - The Magazine of AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2021

Kimberly Schwind is the senior public affairs manager for AAA Ohio.
Driver Improvement
Courses for Seniors
Driving is a skill that can and should be continually improved. AAA’s Mature Operator course is designed to keep seniors driving safer and longer.
Classes are two days; four hours each day from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Class fee is $29 for AAA members; $39 for nonmembers. Couples discount fee: $48 for AAA members; $68 for nonmembers.
2022 CLASSES:
Jan. 13-14 Feb. 10-11 March 10-11 April 7-8
May 19-20 June 9-10 July 14-15 Aug. 11-12
Sept. 8-9 Oct. 13-14 Nov. 10-11 Dec. 8-9
Register at AAA.com/MatureOperator or call 614-431-7888
All classes take place at AAA Ohio headquarters in Worthington.
“Allow for more time when traveling in the snow,” said Shawn Bailey, AAA Driver Education instructor and retired Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper.
“Slow down 10 to 15 miles under the posted speed limit, especially on interstates when cars are in the ditches and medians due to winter weather,” said Todd Scales, AAA Driver Education instructor and retired
Ohio State Highway Patrol sergeant. “During these times first responders handling these incidents are at serious risk of being struck.”
AAA’s instructors warn that bridges, overpasses and ramps freeze first, so use extra caution when driving in these areas. They also say prepping your car by clearing off the snow and keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can help improve safety on winter roads.
“Make sure your tires have adequate tread, your wipers are in great condition and that you keep your fuel topped off,” said Scales.
Clean headlights in good working condition are essential for driving on dark roads. AAA research found that clouded or yellowed headlights produce only 20% of the light they did when they were new. In addition, the halogen headlights found in most vehicles today may fail to safely illuminate unlit roadways at speeds as low as 40 mph.
“Slow down, scan more frequently and allow more reaction time when driving in the dark,” said Bailey.
“Also, dim dashboard lights so you can see better outside of the vehicle,” said Scales.
“If you are temporarily blinded by someone who has their bright lights on as they approach you, look to the right edge of the road until you pass, so you remain in your lane,” said O’Riordan.
Having an emergency kit can help in case you do end up getting stuck. This can include a snow shovel, warm clothes, blankets, drinking water, a first-aid kit, basic toolkit, snacks, a bag of abrasive material (sand, salt,
cat litter, etc.), an ice scraper, jumper cables, warning triangles, a mobile phone and a mobile phone charger.
“When in doubt, slow down and choose a path that reduces your risk and that is well traveled and cleared,” said O’Riordan.
Following this advice can help keep you safe on the roads this winter.
For more information about AAA Driver Education classes, visit AAA.com/DriverEducation.
AAA-Approved Driving
Schools for Teens
• AMERICAN DRIVING SCHOOL 419-621-1890 • americandrivingschool.org
• MYERS DRIVING SCHOOL
888-693-7760 • myersdrivingschool.com
• SUPERIOR DRIVING ACADEMY 419-525-6192 • superiordrivingacademy.us
AAA-Approved Advanced Driver Training
• BETTER OHIO TEEN DRIVERS 614-273-3649 • betterohioteendrivers.org
AAA members receive 10% off driver education and a free teen associate membership* at any AAA Approved Driving School.
*Offer valid on new Classic associate memberships in Ohio Auto Club territory. Parent/guardian must be an existing AAA member to redeem.
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