The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the country’s largest public-interest group for Americans age 50 and older, offers online and in-person driver safety classes. Experienced Texas car accident lawyers, many of whom are also AARP members, recommend these classes for a number of reasons. You do not have to be an AARP member to take an AARP course.
The classes offer a “refresher” on driving safety as well as specific points for older drivers to consider. Courses cover topics like following the current rules of the road in your state, practicing defensive driving techniques, and accommodating common age-related changes that affect driving skills, like vision changes, loss of hearing, and slower reaction times.
Cars have changed dramatically in the last fifty years as well. While today’s newer models have more safety features than older vehicles, they also have more integrated technology and other features that make driving them a different experience from driving the vehicles of 20, 30, or 40 years ago. The course also covers some of the most common changes that are now standard in today’s vehicles and how to use them safely, from air bags to anti-lock braking systems.
Why Take a “Refresher” Driving Course?
In addition to learning more about how to drive modern vehicles safely – information any driver can use – the AARP recommends taking a “refresher” course for insurance purposes. Many auto insurers will offer insurance discounts to older drivers who complete a course successfully. Talk to your insurance agent to learn whether your policy offers this option. The cost for the course through the AARP is $15 for members and $20 for non-members or the course can be completed online for $17.95 for members and $21.95 for non-members.