OIL CITY — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) and the Northwest Regional Highway Safety Office held an education session Friday at the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) Erie West Senior Center to share information on safe driving and public transportation services.

The free program, which was held in connection with Older Driver Safety Awareness Week that concluded Friday, gave seniors a chance to learn ways they can stay sharp behind the wheel and how to acquire a free bus pass through EMTA.

Attendees were also given information on the Yellow Dot program, which places a yellow dot decal in a motorist’s rear window so, in the event of a crash, first responders are alerted to check the glove compartment to access vital information that would be needed to give appropriate medical attention.

“We want to provide proper support to mature drivers so they can stay safe behind the wheel and continue to enjoy the freedom they receive from driving,” said Geoffrey Crankshaw of the Northwest Regional Highway Safety Office. “Events like these give us a chance to also share other options for those unable to drive so they can maintain the mobility they have become accustomed to.”

For older drivers to maintain safe driving habits, PennDOT recommends taking a Basic Mature Driver Improvement Course from a certified course instructor. Upon completion of the course and the three-year refresher classes, senior drivers are eligible for a 5% discount on their auto insurance.

As drivers age, there are some warning signs to look for to help determine when it may be appropriate to limit driving or stop driving altogether. Some examples of these warning signs include slowed response to unexpected situations, frequent “close calls,” feeling uncomfortable, nervous or fearful when driving, getting lost, difficulty staying in the proper lane of traffic and trouble paying attention to signals, road signs and pavement markings.

For seniors who are still able to drive, PennDOT offers the following tips to stay safe:

For seniors who decide to limit or stop driving, Pennsylvania provides transportation alternatives, including a wide range of low-cost shared-ride and free public transit programs.

For more information on older driver safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.