PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New safety program for mature drivers offered by Circuit Court of Cook County

Released On 04/09/2001

Chicago, IL - The Circuit Court of Cook County introduced the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program, a new component of the court's Drive Wise, Stay Alive traffic safety awareness campaign to combat dangerous driving practices.

In explaining the purpose of the Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program public education program, Cook County Chief Judge Donald P. O'Connell said, "The Circuit Court is seeking to raise the level of awareness among senior citizens that changes in their physical health may affect their ability to continue to drive safely. Ability, not age, determines safe driving, and drivers of all ages who are better informed on safe driving issues are more likely to practice traffic safety."

Chicago Traffic Center Supervising Judge Patrick E. McGann said, "As the number of senior drivers on the roads continues to grow, we need to provide them with safe driving information to meet their unique needs. We are inviting senior citizen groups throughout Cook County to contact the Circuit Court of Cook County Community Safety Initiative to schedule participation in the program," said Judge McGann, who also is the Chairperson of the Circuit Court of Cook County Community Safety Initiative

The first Drive Wise, Stay Alive Mature Driver Program was conducted on Monday, April 9, 2001, at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 11121 South Loomis Street in Chicago. The 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 75 members of the Beth Eden Baptist Church's Senior on the Go program attended the presentation.

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.