Drivers over 50 years old are invited to brush up on their skills with the AARP Smart Driver course on Wednesday, September 20 at 12:45 p.m. at the Pelican Rapids Public Library. The course is designed to help drivers age 50 or older refresh their skills and reduce their chances of getting into an accident or receiving a traffic violation.

From teenagers to seniors, a driver’s license is the ultimate symbol of confidence and independence — until the freedom to drive must be weighed against personal and public safety.

One in seven drivers in the US are over 65, many of whom are not ready to put the brakes on driving just yet. The driver safety course not only updates one’s awareness of new road design, traffic laws, and how to adjust your driving to compensate for physical changes, it may also qualify you for a 3-year discount on your car insurance in Minnesota.

The 4-hour class will be taught by Robyne Williams, who has taught over 80 classes in Otter Tail County. The AARP Smart Driver online course covers research-based safe driving strategies, information on the effects of medication on driving, preventive measures to reduce driver distractions, proper use of safety belts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, and new technology found in cars today, techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts, as well as state-specific rules and regulations in 19 key areas, including construction zones, child safety seats, school buses, cellphone use, and more.

The course is presented in an easy-to-follow format incorporating adult-learning principles. To register, call Robyne Williams at (701) 361-6100.