When I was a teenager, on the rare occasions that I was allowed to drive my parents’ car, my mother would always say “drive carefully” as I left the house. I would nod in agreement – I mean, what else could I do? Years later when my own kids were teenagers driving my car, I found myself saying those same words, “drive carefully.” Time passes quickly and those teenagers have all grown up. Yet, after every time they visit us, I still think “drive carefully” as they drive away, even if I don’t say the words out loud.

My first car had a four-speed standard transmission. Even better, both the heater and the radio worked. Compared to my first car, modern cars are like driving a computer with wheels. Learning how to navigate all of their modern features can take a bit of time, but not to worry. AARP offers a Smart DriverTEK Online Workshop that explains many new auto tech features like crash mitigation, voice controls, and parking assistance systems. The videos explain not only how these features work, but how they can help us to be safer drivers. These workshops are free and can be found by searching for AARP Smart DriverTek Online Workshops.

AARP also offers the Smart Driver Course for drivers of all ages including those over fifty. These courses, offered in person and online, review safe driving strategies, ways to reduce driver distractions, and techniques for tackling roundabouts. The Smart Driver Course also includes information about how taking certain medications can impact driving, and state-specific rules for using child safety seats and cell phones. The Smart Driver Course does have a fee ($20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members), but course graduates may qualify for a multi-year auto insurance discount. Simply visit aarp.org/driving36 to sign up for a class that suits your schedule.

Part of being a safe driver is being ready for what might happen on the road. AARP’s Smart DriverTek and Smart Driver Course are two easy ways to benefit from our tech-smart cars and refresh our driving skills for modern driving situations. To request an AARP Driver Safety speaker for your local group, send an email to Andrew Grant, Volunteer Maine State Coordinator for AARP Driver Safety, at ajgrant@outlook.com.

Another part of being a safe driver is having the proper fit inside your vehicle. With CarFit, an educational program developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, you’ll get information and resources on how you can enhance your safety and physical comfort in the driver’s seat. Head over to car-fit.org to learn more about this insightful program.

Finally, consider downloading the AARP SafeTrip app for more tips and great resources for safe driving wherever the road takes you.

As always, I hope to see you at our local social, educational and fun events here in Maine. Happy travels!

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. She enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling.