Cincinnati resident receives Keeping Us Safe’s "Retired Driver Trophy"

CINCINNATI - April 13, 2014 - PRLog -- Longtime Cincinnati area resident, Mary Ann Breeden, was presented with Keeping Us Safe’s “Retired Driver Trophy” in a ceremony held in her home.  The award was presented to Breeden by Nancy Schuster, one of Keeping Us Safe’s Certified “Beyond Driving with Dignity” Professionals.

The trophy was developed by Keeping Us Safe as a way to recognize and honor older adults that have made the difficult decision to retire from driving, based on diminishing driving skills.  Breeden will also be entered into Keeping Us Safe’s national retired driver “Hall of Fame”.

Like so many older drivers, Breeden was a very safe and conscientious driver throughout her 65 year driving career.  However, she began to notice that her driving skills were beginning to slip as a result of the natural aging process.   Not ever wanting to ever hurt herself or someone else, Breeden made the difficult decision to give up driving.

Schuster, who also serves as the Executive Director of ITNGreaterCincinnati, has been active in the “Beyond Driving with Dignity” Professional Certification program since August, 2011.

Matt Gurwell, founder of Keeping Us Safe, explains that “So many times we hear and read about tragedies surrounding older drivers.  It should be noted that these tragedies are caused by a very small percentage of older drivers.  Albeit a very difficult decision, so many drivers, like Mary Ann Breeden, simply decide quietly to give up driving when they sense slipping skills.  Unfortunately, those drivers are rarely recognized for ‘doing the right thing’ and are seldom recognized for their years of commitment to driving safety.  Our Retired Driver Trophy is one way that we can give back to these conscientious and compassionate individuals.”  Gurwell adds that “Mary Ann Breeden, and so many others like her, are everyday heroes who’s commitment to safety often goes overlooked”.

To order a “Retired Driver Trophy” for the loved-one in your family, please visit Keeping Us Safe at http://keepingussafe.org/retireddrivertrophy.htm, or call us at 216-904-8841.  Trophies are personalized with your loved-one’s name and number of years of driving.  All proceeds from the trophy sales go to the charity of your choosing.