SAFER DRIVERS: Looking for a New Year's Resolution? Resolve to Be a Better Driver or Join George Coleman in Helping Others

Looking for a new New Year’s resolution? How about resolving to improve a critical skill – your driving?

It’s easy to do. Just take a Driver Safety class, says George Coleman of Bartlett, the new state coordinator for AARP’s Driver Safety program in Tennessee.

“Just think about it. The longer you’re capable of driving, the longer you’ll keep your independence,” Coleman said. 

For most of us, it’s been decades since we took driver’s education classes or got our licenses. A lot has changed over the years, including cars, traffic laws and the roads. And we’ve changed too.

Driver Safety classes give motorists tips on how to deal with those changes.

And, the bonus is that if you take a Driver Safety class you’ll qualify for a discount on your car insurance. So, not only will you be a safer driver, you’ll be saving money!

And if your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time helping others, Coleman says the Driver Safety program is the place for you. All the classes are taught by volunteer instructors – and he could use more.

Coleman himself has been an instructor for nine years and has taught 115 Driver Safety classes. He has helped about 2,700 people during that time – and has served a variety of leadership roles.

So when John Davis of Franklin decided to step down as state coordinator, Coleman thought he would give it a try.

It’s a big job, managing instructors and classes throughout Tennessee. More than 270 classes were taught in 2012 alone. But Coleman is excited about the challenge.

Coleman, a native of Alamo, Tenn., spent 44 years with AT&T and lived in Illinois and Nebraska before retiring in 2001 and heading back to his home state.

He was buying flowers for his wife when he happened upon an AARP Driver Safety instructor – and decided to take a class. He’s never once looked back.

“I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather volunteer. It just makes my day to be able to help someone remain independent. Every day you’re able to drive is a blessing,” Coleman said.

For more information about AARP Driver Safety or to sign up to take a course, visit www.aarp.org/safedriving or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).

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