SOUTH COUNTY : ’55 Alive’ Programs Offered Older Drivers

Senior citizens can qualify for insurance discounts and improve their driving skills at low-cost driving clinics being held throughout South County in January.

Known as “55 Alive,” the program is sponsored by the American Assn. of Retired Persons and participants must be at least age 50. Registration costs $8 and preregistration is required.

The two-day course focuses on helping seniors compensate for slowing reflexes and vision problems, along with updating attendees on Department of Motor Vehicles driving regulations. When the eight-hour course is completed, seniors are given certificates that can be sent to auto insurance companies for good driver discounts.

Those interested in signing up must contact the facility where the class is being held. January classes in South County will be held:

* Monday, Jan. 9 and Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Clemente Senior Citizen Center, 242 Avenida del Mar in San Clemente. Information and registration: (714) 498-3322.

* Monday, Jan. 9 and Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Oso Viejo Road in Mission Viejo. Information and registration: (714) 470-3062.

* Saturday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laguna Beach Senior Center in Lang Park at Westley and Coast Highway. Information and registration: (714) 497-2441.

* Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Capistrano Bay Park and Recreation District, 34052 Del Obispo St. in Dana Point. Information and registration: (714) 496-4251.

* Wednesday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sea Country Senior Community Center, 24602 Aliso Creek Road. Information and registration: (714) 362-4342.

* Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Freedom Village Retirement Community, 23442 El Toro Road in Lake Forest. Information and registration: (714) 472-4700.