Having a car and our own set of keys ranks right up there with having air to breathe and fresh water to drink – it’s hard to imagine being without. That said, having a car and a license to drive (at any age) also comes with a great deal of responsibility. At this month’s seminar we talked with healthcare, legal, and local law enforcement experts about the challenges associated with driving as we age, as well as strategies for safely remaining behind the wheel.
April 2023 – Empowered Senior Series
Guest Speaker and Panelists
Kendall L Krug, OD Diplomate American Board of Optometry
Dr Kendall Krug recently retired from a full-time optometry practice in Hays after 37 years. He continues to provide vision impairment evaluations for the Lions sponsored KanLOVKids program through the Kansas School for the Blind, seeing K-12 visually impaired students attending school in the western half of Kansas. Krug was recently appointed to the Medical Advisory Board of the Kansas Division of Vehicles and has presented on driving and vision issues at the state and national levels.
Kandace Bonnesen, SCT Transit Manager
Kandace Bonnesen is the Transit Manager for the Sedgwick County Department on Aging’s Transportation Program having been with the department for 24 years. Currently she serves as a board member of the Kansas Public Transit Association (KPTA) and earned the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) Community Transit Manager Certification.
Ken Neely, AARP Driving Instructor
Ken has been with AARP Driver Safety program for the last three years. Prior to becoming an AARP Driver Safety Instructor. Ken worked in the aircraft industry for 40 years. He received a B.S. degree in engineering from Tennessee State University and an MBA from Webster University. Ken retired form Spirit AeroSystems as the Engineering Manager over the 747, 767 and 787 twin aisle group.
Sgt. Brian Mock, Wichita Police Department
Sgt. Brian Mock is an almost 25 year veteran of the Wichita Police Department. He is extensively trained in traffic crash reconstruction and has been qualified as an expert in that field through Sedgwick County District Court. Sgt. Mock currently works in the WPD Traffic Section where he supervises the officers and detectives of the Critical Accident Team.
Rebecca Lohman, Club Hope
Rebecca shared with some great fitness tips about staying physically fit to drive!
AHA’s
Driving is one of the most COMPLEX things we do. Discussed in detail.
- 95% of driving is tied to vision (and proper responsiveness)
- Distracted driving can be anything that diverts your attention & that was great conversation.
- Physical fitness and hand to eye coordination can often be greatly enhanced with fitness training targeting functional ability specific to safer driving.
- AARP 4 hour drivers course is all new as of 2022. It is constantly updated as so many things change quickly on roads, and car technology etc. certificates are good for 3 years and usually provide opportunity to save on your auto insurance.
- $3 rides ($6 round trip) are available through Sedgwick County Transportation government services for anyone with a disability residing outside of Wichita city limits but within Sedgwick County. Curb to curb service on first come basis. Can book ride same day or up to 7 days in advance!! (316)660-5150
- City of Wichita Paratransit $3.50 for disabled residents that can’t ride the bus or get to the bus stop (they give over 300 rides a day) No same day booking, reserve up to 7 days. (316) 352-4828
