What You Should Know About AARP Defensive Driving Program
Things are getting harder for senior drivers. In a 2007 report, USA Today finds that drivers over 65 have claimed 72% more car accidents than in 1999. Ask a Floridian what driver he or she is more scared of - a teenager or a senior citizen - and chances are they will pick the senior. Even though they may easily pass the state's eye exam, their reactions are slower.
Outlawing all senior citizens from driving is impractical and unfair. Loosing driving privileges can be a frightening and humiliating experience at any age. Now the Baby Boomers are becoming seniors, there are more senior drivers on the road than ever before. The answer could be to better educate senior citizens in defensive driving. That's what the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) thinks. The AARP is a powerful group looking out for the rights and safety of all Americans 55 or over.
The AARP Driver Safety Class
The AARP Driver Safety Class should really be called the AARP Defensive Driving class. It is not only a refresher on driving safely, but it can help seniors not get into accidents in the first place. And, many car insurance companies will accept AARP defensive driving classes as a qualification for a discount.
As the scary statistics about senior drivers keep coming in, car insurance companies will want to use that as an excuse to really raise seniors' insurances rates. At least taking an AARP defensive driving class will show not only save seniors' money, but it can show the insurance companies that seniors are committed to safe driving.
It's easy to find an AARP defensive driving class being held near you. You can go online to the AARP website and do a quick search to see what classes are nearest your zip code. Or, you can call the AARP for free and they will search for you. Their number is 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669). If you use the phone number, you will leave a message and an AARP volunteer will call you back with the information you need about AARP defensive driving classes in three to five business days.
The AARP defensive driving course usually takes two days with about four hour classes per day. The cost to seniors is only about $10 (as of 2007). It also teaches you to recognize any physical signs that you may really be too old to safely drive. This is not a substitute for a driver's license.
