PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safety Program for Mature Drivers Offered by Circuit Court of Cook County

Released On 03/28/2002

Chicago, IL (3-28-02) - The Circuit Court of Cook County today presented the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program to a group of seniors at the Central West Regional Center of Chicago's Department on Aging.

In explaining the purpose of the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said, "The judges of the Circuit Court want senior citizens to be aware of the connection between medical problems and the ability to drive safely. This excellent public awareness program helps bring the latest information to our seniors to help them continue to practice traffic safety."

Judge Patrick McGann, Chairperson of the Circuit Court of Cook County Community Safety Initiative, said, "As the number of senior drivers on the roads increases, we need to provide them with safe driving information to meet their unique needs. The court invites senior citizen groups throughout Cook County to contact the Circuit Court of Cook County Community Safety Initiative to schedule participation in the program."

The Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program was presented by Robin Mazzuca, a registered nurse and injury prevention instructor, and included the TAKE CARE (Thoughtful Adults Keep Enlightened) Program. Created to address safety-related needs of mature adults, the TAKE CARE Program focuses on interaction of prescription and non-prescription medication, alcohol use and abuse, doctor/patient relationships, drinking and driving, seatbelt use and pedestrian safety.

More than 100 seniors attended the two-hour presentation at the Central West Regional Center for Chicago's Department on Aging, 2102 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago. The event was co-sponsored by Chicago's Department of Aging.

The Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program is funded by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

For more information on the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program, senior citizen groups may call the Circuit Court of Cook County's Chicago Traffic Center at 312-603-2600.