| Utah's AARP Driver Safety Program is trying to reach | | | | "Crashes we might once have walked away from |
| the major leagues by launching Operation Tripleplay | | | | with only scratches and bruises can today put us in |
| this month. When October was designated as Driver | | | | the hospital," states Salt Lake District Coordinator Pat |
| Safety Month by the national office of AARP's Driver | | | | Brimmer. |
| Safety Program, the nation's largest and oldest | | | | The 8-hour class which has no exams or actual driving, |
| defensive driving course for those over 50, Utah | | | | teaches safety strategies and how to cope with the |
| decided to lead the way! | | | | age-related challenges that creep into our lives, |
| This rather unusual approach came about when the | | | | beginning usually, around the age of fifty. |
| state coordinators were asked to come up with ways | | | | Freeway driving, navigating left turns, roundabouts, new |
| to expand the program. Because October also | | | | legislation dealing with highway safety and many other |
| includes the World Series, Utah State Coordinator Ken | | | | topics are also covered in the course. In addition to the |
| Baldridge of Pleasant Grove, decided the triple play | | | | information provided, graduates of the course are |
| concept might be unusual enough to attract some | | | | usually eligible for a discount on their automobile |
| attention, hoping that both Instructors and sponsors | | | | insurance. |
| would be willing to step up to the plate and enjoy | | | | "Insurance discounts is what biring most poeple into the |
| some great innings. | | | | program," said Marie Nye, Associate State |
| Baldridge hopes the publicity generated by the rather | | | | Coordinator. "However," counters Baldridge, "by the |
| bizarre link between baseball and safe driving will alert | | | | time they finish the class, students usually agree with |
| drivers who are unaware that such a program even | | | | our contention that saving their lives is more important |
| exists. "Also," says Baldridge, "every driver-- even | | | | than saving their money!" |
| those who have never had a crash or a ticket--can | | | | To locate a class nearby, call (888) 227-7669 |
| benefit from the course." | | | | (888-AARP-NOW) |
| To back up his claim, Baldridge has guaranteed he will | | | | For more information, call Baldridge at (801) 785- 0599, |
| personally return the $10 fee to anyone who feels he | | | | Marie Nye (801) 479- 1711or Brimmer (801) 943- 4435. |
| or she has not received value exceeding that amount. | | | | OPERATION TRIPLE-PLAY |
| So far, claims Baldridge, no one has asked for a | | | | 1--EVERY VOLUNTEER DSP INSTRUCTOR in Utah |
| refund. With school now in session and days getting | | | | will teach at least one class. |
| shorter the issue of traffic safety rises to a higher | | | | 2--EVERY SPONSOR of classes in the past will offer |
| level. | | | | a class during the month of October |
| Although more mature drivers generally have a pretty | | | | 3--EVERY DAY (excluding Sundays), an AARP Driver |
| good at bat performance, an injury crash can be more | | | | Safety class will be offered somewhere in Utah. |
| devastating than it might be to a younger driver. | | | | |