Ever wondered how many car accidents occur amongst the senior population? You might well ask! USA Today published a report in May 2007 which found that senior drivers are claiming substantially more car accidents now than in 1999. 72% more in fact! Things are definitely getting harder for senior drivers. It is becoming clear that the AARP Defensive Driving Program, a driver safety class offered by the American Association of Returned Persons, could be the answer to better educating senior citizens in defensive driving.

The AARP is a powerful group which champions the rights and safety of American citizens aged 55 or over. They recognize that outlawing all senior citizens from driving is discriminatory and completely impractical. With this thought in mind, the development of The AARP defensive driving program was born to brush up and refresh the driving skills of senior drivers.

Relinquishing driving privileges can be humiliating and stressful at any age. For many senior drivers it simply adds to the stress of growing older and being able to do less. For example, a senior driver may easily pass the state’s eye exam, but more critically, their reaction time and reflexes are now slower.

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 greatly assist seniors to avoid involvement in accidents in the first place.

Car insurance companies will now also accept AARP defensive driving classes as a qualification for insurance premium discounts. The more statistical evidence which accumulates on senior drivers, the more car insurance companies will use it as a base to raise seniors’ insurance rates. Enrolling in an AARP defensive driving class will not only save money for senior drivers, but can demonstrate to insurance companies that seniors are committed to safe driving.

Where To Find an AARP Defensive Driving Class

Finding an AARP defensive driving course nearby is not difficult. Seniors can access the AARP website online and search to see what classes are nearest their zip code. Alternatively, AARP can be contacted by telephone on free-call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669), where you can leave a message and they will search for you. Information about suitable AARP defensive driving courses will be provided by volunteers within 3 to 5 working days.

An AARP defensive driving course costs around $10, and usually runs over two days with approximately four hours class time each day. The main objectives of the course are:

  1. Refresh driving skills and update knowledge about rules of the road.
  2. Learn about normal age-related physical changes, and how to adjust driving to allow for these changes.
  3. Learn the warning signs and know when to stop driving for good.
  4. Reduce your traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries.
  5. Drive more safely.
  6. Get an insurance discount. Auto insurance companies in most states provide a multiyear discount to AARP graduates!

Now the Baby Boomers are becoming seniors, there are more senior drivers on the road than ever before. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers aged 50 plus. It has helped millions of drivers remain safe on today’s roads. AARP has offered their driver safety program in the classroom for 25 years and the same course is now available online. If you are in the “seniors” category of drivers, enrolling in the AARP defensive driving course makes a lot of sense!