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Courage Center Helps Seniors Drive Safely as Long as Possible

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., July 18 -- Most of us don't like to admit it, but we may be worried about a loved one, family member or friend whose driving skills seem to have diminished because of age or disability. If you're concerned about someone's driving skills, a driving assessment is a great objective tool to help determine whether or not an older driver is still a safe driver.

If we live long enough, most of us eventually will have to give up our keys. The goal of Courage Center's senior driving evaluation is to keep people driving safely as long as possible. The evaluation process at Courage is two-fold: The first portion consists of tests administered by an occupational therapist to evaluate reaction time, depth of field, peripheral and color contrast vision, and an assessment of their answers when faced with problem driving situations. The second portion is a behind-the wheel, in-vehicle road test with a licensed driving instructor.

The driving assessment is available at Courage locations in Golden Valley and Stillwater. The cost is $260 which typically is not covered by insurance. However, Courage will work with people who aren't able to afford the full amount.

"A situation such as the one that happened yesterday in the Santa Monica farmer's market could just as easily happen in Minnesota. That's why a service like our senior drivers' assessment is so important," said Dave Nelson, director of Courage Center's Drivers Assessment and Training. Census projections predict that the number of people over age 85 in the country may exceed 10 million by 2030, and the 65 and older age group is predicted to grow from 12 percent in 2000 to almost 20 percent in 2025.

To schedule a senior driving assessment or for more information, call Courage Center at 763-520-0312.

Courage Center, this year celebrating its 75th anniversary, is a national, not-for-profit rehabilitation and resource center for people with physical disabilities, brain injuries, speech or vision impairments, or hearing loss. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Courage Center offers comprehensive, life-long services to people of all ages. Courage Center's wide-ranging services are designed to empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential in every aspect of life. For more information about Courage Center, visit www.courage.org .