AARP Smart Driver Course Offered in Neosho and Webb City

JOPLIN, Mo. – Older adults have an opportunity to refresh their driving skills and may save money on auto insurance by taking part in the AARP Smart Driver™ Course offered in Neosho and Webb City by Freeman Advantage, the Freeman Health System Wellness program for adults 50 and older.

The course takes place noon to 4:30 pm Tuesday, November 18, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 300 N. Pennsylvania St., Webb City, and from noon to 4:30 pm Thursday, November 20, at Freeman Neosho Hospital Conference Room, 113 W. Hickory St., Neosho. The course is open to drivers of all ages and costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.

The course curriculum was developed following a two-year research study conducted by Eastern Virginia Medical School. The course helps drivers 50 and older stay current with driving laws and new technologies inside and outside the vehicle. Participants also learn defensive driving skills, proven safety strategies and how to manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.

“Since 1979, AARP Driver Safety has helped more than 15 million drivers stay safe, educated and confident behind the wheel,” said Julie E. Lee, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety. “Every driver can benefit from a refresher.”

Participants may be eligible for an insurance discount after taking the course. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance agent to see if they are eligible. No tests are required to pass the course.

Participants must register in advance to take the course by calling 417.347.5837.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. Recognized for medical excellence and safety in 90 categories by CareChex, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, and women’s services and has more than 300 physicians on staff. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.