There are plenty of courses available for all drivers of any age to take defensive driving to help turn them into safer drivers. For those aged fifty-five and older, AARP defensive driving courses are designed to meet the special concerns of older drivers. This program began in 1979 when AARP determined that defensive driving needed to be taught to drivers with special concerns. AARP Defensive Driving Addresses Special Concerns
As you age, you naturally lose the ability to respond as quickly to stimuli. That means that when you see oncoming danger on the road, your reaction time could be so slow that you are unable to prevent an accident from occurring. AARP defensive driving courses will teach you what to look for on the road before a dangerous situation gets out of control. That means keeping your eye on where you are going and on the other drivers on the road beside and ahead of you. Knowing what types of traffic situations to avoid could prevent you from getting into an unpredictable situation.
Another point that is covered in AARP defensive driving is taking prescription medications that can affect your driving ability. You will learn which medications may make you drowsy or sleepy, and which ones impair your thinking ability or further slow your reaction time. You may not realize that medications you take regularly can improve your driving skills even more than alcohol.
Vision and hearing also worsen with age. Many people who do have prescription glasses to correct their vision determine that they don't need them to drive. If you had to wear your glasses to take your driver's test, then you need to have them on to drive even if you are only going around the block.
Changes in Driving Behavior are a Part of AARP Defensive Driving
Four out of five drivers who have taken an AARP defensive driving course claim that they have adjusted their driving behavior as a result. Studies performed by both the government and insurance companies have shown a direct correlation between those drivers who have completed an AARP defensive driving course and a reduction in the number of accidents involving those drivers. There is little room for doubt that an AARP defensive driving course will improve your driving skills and decrease the risk of an accident related injury or fatality.
As an added benefit, your insurance company may give discounts on premiums to those who have successfully completed an AARP defensive driving course. Call your insurance company to see if they give a discount and how much you can save!
The AARP Defensive Driving Program is designed especially for drivers aged fifty and over. We have more information and resources available for you on defensive driving.
