Public Workshop Promotes Safer Travel for Older Drivers

What:

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission -- together with its Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee and SamTrans -- will host a regional Senior Driver Summit next Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Oakland. The event is intended to educate senior advocates and service providers on ways to help older motorists stay sharp behind the wheel and, if necessary, transition out of driving. The daylong workshop features expert presenters and panelists, with facilitated discussions covering everything from driving instruction to law enforcement. The Senior Driver Summit is the fourth in a popular series of Mobility Matters workshops hosted by MTC, and is fully subscribed by more than 100 participants.

  When:
  Wednesday, January 18, 2006
  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (box lunch served for registered participants)

  Where:
  Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter Auditorium
  101 Eighth Street (across from the Lake Merritt BART station)
  Oakland, California

  Who:
  Shelia Young, MTC Commissioner and San Leandro Mayor (9:30 a.m.)
  Adrienne Tissier, San Mateo County Supervisor -- Opening Address (9:50)
  Kent Milton, Calif. Highway Patrol -- Myths & Facts About Older Drivers
 (10:10)

  Older Driver Training Programs (10:45 a.m.-12 noon)
  Nancy Ceridwyn, American Society on Aging
  Doris Morse, Regional Coordinator, AARP Driver Safety Course
  Bridgett Lott, California Highway Patrol
  Merry Banks, California State Automobile Association

  Retirement From Driving (1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.)
  Julio Lacayo, California Department of Motor Vehicles
  Peter Szego, AARP
  Colleen Campbell, Alameda County Public Health Department

  Signs, Signals & Road Design (2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.)
  Craig Copelan, Caltrans Office of Traffic Safety
  David Ragland, Director, UC Traffic Safety Center

    Contact:
  Ellen Griffin, MTC    510-817-5854
  Connie Soper, MTC     510-817-5746