FOR RELEASE MAY 3, 2006

New GrandDriver Website Unveiled by The Virginia Department for the Aging
"www.granddriver.net" Provides Tips for Seniors and Their Families

Richmond, Virginia -- Julie Christopher, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for the Aging, unveiled the new Virginia GrandDriver website and promotional campaign today in conjunction with Older Virginians Month.

"On the highway of life, all drivers have issues," Christopher said. "Especially older drivers. Because as we age, we all go through changes that impact our ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Our goal with GrandDriver is to reach out to all older Virginians and to their families and friends with steps they can take to remain mobile and safe."

The GrandDriver public health initiative includes a website (www.granddriver.net) and a toll-free phone number (1-800-552-3402).

With more and more people over age 65 on Virginia's highways, it's important for older drivers to continually hone their skills. Driving refresher courses and courses specifically designed for drivers over 55 are ideal for skill development and refinement according to Commissioner Christopher. Sometimes a simple change in habits, she says, is all that's necessary to stay safer longer. These changes vary from driver to driver and may include driving only during daylight hours, mapping out a course of right turns to avoid potential left turn dangers or avoiding busy streets and busy times of day.

GrandDriver information includes practical tips for safer driving, alternate forms of transportation to help seniors stay independent, sources for driving refresher courses, and much more.

Created by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), GrandDriver was piloted in the greater D.C. area including northern Virginia and southern Maryland in May 2003. Virginia was the first state in the country to localize and implement GrandDriver on a statewide basis.

Part of the mission of GrandDriver is to help prepare seniors and their families to remain safe and mobile in their later years. Commissioner Christopher stresses that, by planning early, older Virginians can continue to remain as mobile and as independent as possible. Public transportation options, senior shuttle services, friends and families can all make a big difference in the life of an older Virginian who can no longer drive for whatever reason. Local sources for alternative transportation and other senior mobility information is available at www.granddriver.net and 1-800-552-3402.

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