Mature Drivers

The Hidalgo County, Texas Sheriff's Office participates in the Hidalgo County TRIAD, which is group of community leaders, law enforcement agencies, state and federal agencies, health care professionals, and others dedicated to protecting senior citizens. L.A.W. Publication, Addison, Texas publishes a 30-page magazine, "Protecting Your World, Safe Living for You and Your Family," for the TRIAD, which is funded through advertising and grants. The TRIAD distributes 10,000 magazines annually through Hidalgo County and the Lower Rio Grande Valley for seniors and their families. Large portions of the magazine are distributed at the "Winter Texan Expo," where newly arriving seniors meet when relocating to the area for the warmer winter months. The free publication is available in English or Spanish. Three pages are dedicated to safe driving. The driving section addresses safe auto travel, how vision influences the driving process, how hearing loss can affect driving, medical conditions, alcohol and medication use while driving, safety tips, and self-assessment.

The Sheriff's Office participates with approximately 30 other law enforcement agencies across four counties, TRIAD, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in the "911 Only Program." The law enforcement agencies accept donated cell phones then have them refurbished for 911 purposes only. The phones are then donated to seniors to be used in cases of emergency, including highway emergencies.

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