PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Circuit Court of Cook County presents Safety Program for Mature Drivers at Beth Eden Baptist Church

Released On 09/09/2002

Chicago, IL (9-9-02) - The Circuit Court of Cook County today presented the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program to a group of seniors at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 11121 South Loomis Street in Chicago. The program, which has been held at various locations throughout Cook County, provides seniors with the latest medical information and available community resources to help them continue to be safe drivers.

"The Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program underscores the court's commitment to improve traffic safety through education and community outreach," said Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said.

Judge Patrick McGann, Chairperson of the Circuit Court of Cook County Community Safety Initiative, said, "As the number senior drivers continues to increase, it is vital that seniors understand that medical conditions can affect their ability to be safe drivers."

The Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program was presented by Robin Mazzuca, a registered nurse and injury prevention instructor, to more than 75 seniors at the Beth Eden Baptist Church. Included in the presentation was the TAKE CARE (Thoughtful Adults Keep Enlightened) Program, which addresses safety-related needs of mature adults. The program also explores the interaction of prescription and non-prescription medication, alcohol use and abuse, doctor/patient relationships, drinking and driving, seatbelt use and pedestrian safety.

The event was co-sponsored by the Beth Eden Baptist Church and the Circuit Court of Cook County which receives grant funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

For more information, or to schedule participation in the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program, senior citizen groups are encouraged to call the Circuit Court of Cook County's Chicago Traffic Center at 312-603-2597.