TEMECULA, CA — Are you, or is someone you love "too old to drive?" Should you drive after taking your medication? The California Highway Patrol Temecula Station has answers for you. On Monday, CHP is holding a free class to help drivers age 65 and older evaluate their driving abilities and remain safe behind the wheel.
The Age Well, Drive Smart presentation is free to attend, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday Aug. 31, at the Temecula Civic Center, located at 41000 Main Street.
The class will cover how aging may affect vision and reaction time, as well as how medications can influence driving. Participants will also review traffic laws, self-assessment tools and practical habits intended to help older adults continue driving safely.
This program matters as California's older driving population continues to grow.
In 2023, the state had more than 5.2 million licensed drivers age 65 and older, representing 18.7 percent of all licensed California drivers, according to UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center.
That same year, 647 Californians age 65 and older were killed in motor-vehicle crashes. They accounted for 16 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state.
Although older drivers generally drive fewer miles, physical changes associated with aging can make them more vulnerable to severe or fatal injuries when crashes occur. The CHP program is designed to help seniors recognize potential changes and develop a plan for maintaining their mobility and independence safely.
Some automobile insurers may also offer discounts to drivers who complete an approved senior driver-safety course. Participants should contact their insurance providers to determine whether this presentation qualifies.
The class is free, but seating is limited. Reservations may be made by calling the Temecula CHP office at 951-466-4300.
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