02/08/12

While RVs offer a uniquely comforting way to travel, these oversized vehicles also come with their own challenges – the most daunting simply being the act of driving them. It takes a good understanding of a different set of driving skills to safely maneuver an RV.

To that point, the nationally recognized AAA Driver Improvement Program has now expanded to include instruction for drivers wishing to learn the specifics of safe RV driving. The AAA RV Driver Improvement Program is designed for individuals who want to learn more about RV motoring.

According Dave Overstreet, public affairs director for AAA Washington/Inland, the program is spread over multiple days. It involves 12 hours of classroom instruction and four hours of hands-on training on a driving course in your own RV. Topics covered include driver sensory assessment, defensive driving techniques, safety issues, popular destination ideas and much more. Seniors (those 65 years of age and older in Idaho)qualify for an insurance discount. Enrollment is limited, and the program fee is $275 per person.

The next class takes place at North Idaho College Workforce Training Center, 525 Clearwater Loop, in Post Falls, Idaho.

The classroom portion of the course takes place on Wednesdays, April 13, 20, 27 and May 4, from 6-9 p.m. The driving course is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For registration information call (208) 769-3333. For future RV driver improvement classes, contact your local AAA office.