55 Alive Course Content

The following is a brief description of some of the topics and discussion which make up the 55 Alive Mature Driving course - the program is participant based and covers many topics not listed below.

UNIT ONE: Overview

A brief examination of where you are at personally with regard to your driving habits - accomplished through multiple choice questions that the class then discusses.

UNIT TWO: Self-Assessment

This lesson looks at how frequently you drive and the types of experiences you have had on the road. It looks at good and bad experiences you have witnessed while driving and it begins to look at how the driving task changes as you age.

UNIT THREE: Vision and Hearing

Class discussion and slides focus on how our vision and hearing changes as we age. Since these are integral to safe driving, tips are given so that participants can compensate for the changes that have occurred and continue to drive safely.

UNIT FOUR: Normal Driving Situations

Whenever we drive, there are some common situations we encounter that need to be dealt with. These include intersections, merge lanes, left turns and other maneuvers. Discussion focuses on dealing with these safely. Further topics include keeping a space cushion for safety and ensuring you keep track of what can infringe on your blind spots.

UNIT FIVE: Hazardous Driving Environment

Skids, hydroplaning and what to do if a collision occurs are just a few of the topics which are examined during this lesson. Even safe drivers should be prepared for the unexpected - ensure you know how to deal with these situations properly.

UNIT SIX: Driver Guidance

A revision of signs, signals and road markings makes up this lesson - signs and signals are constantly changing so a review is always in order.

UNIT SEVEN: The Vehicle

In our ever-changing world, vehicles are no exception. New technologies and options re being made available to car buyers - learn what can be an asset from a safety point of view and how it operates (seatbelts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, etc.).

UNIT EIGHT: Alcohol and Medication

Discussion focuses on the safe use of medication in relation to the driving task. It further illustrates the effects of alcohol and medication on driving.

UNIT NINE: Driving Decisions

Every driver, at some point in their life, have certain decisions to make regarding driving. When to reduce the amount they drive, whether to continue to drive at night, or whether to stop driving altogether. Discussion focuses on the options people have when they are faced with these questions and the agencies and organizations that are available to help them.