Reduce Your Insurance Premiums and Become a Safer Driver: Take a Driver Awareness Course

In today’s economy, every dollar counts. By taking a driver awareness course, Alabama drivers can hone their safety skills and reduce their insurance premiums at the same time. Driver awareness courses are available to young drivers and to senior citizens alike. Once the course is completed and a certificate is presented to your insurer, you can often receive a significant insurance discount.

University of Alabama’s “Alive at 25” Driver Awareness Classes

The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa offers a driver awareness course to students entitled “Alive at 2.” The course, which is designed by the National Safety Council, is offered all around the country for drivers between the ages of 15 and 24.

Although the majority of the University of Alabama students attending the class are prospective employees who must pass the class to qualify to drive a university fleet vehicle, the course is available to all U of A students under the age of 25.

Margaret Smith has taught the defensive driving class for the past five years. The class teaches students the importance of driving defensively and responsibly, including the avoidance of driving while intoxicated or while distracted by texting or cell phone use. Students are also taught to be aware of Alabama’s unique weather conditions and wildlife road hazards.

Ms. Smith has received favorable input by students who have taken her class and say that the course has helped them improve their skills by becoming more aware of their own driving behaviors.

AARP Driver Safety Program

AARP’s Driver Safety Program is available online or in a classroom setting. Although the course is aimed at drivers 50 and older, it is open to people of all ages.

Besides refreshing knowledge about basic rules of the road and teaching defensive techniques, the course addresses the effect of aging on driving habits and teaches drivers how to adjust their driving to accommodate these changes.

According to AARP, “as a result of the course, many participants are engaging in self-policing behaviors. For example, significant differences were found in the number of participants who reported always limiting their driving at night, in bad weather and on highways/freeways.

Driving Statistics for Teen and Senior Drivers

Car accident rates for teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are higher than in any other age group.  Alabama road fatalities in 2008 (last available statistics) included 93 young drivers, 39 passengers, 34 occupants of other vehicles, and 6 non-occupants – for a total of 172 fatalities involving or caused by teen drivers.

These statistics reflect the fact that teens may be novices at hazard detection, may take more risks when driving, and may engage in dangerous behaviors, such as driving while under the influence or driving while distracted.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, fatality rates begin to climb for senior drivers after the age of 65. From ages 75 to 84, traffic fatalities match those of teen drivers. For drivers 85 and up, the fatality rate soars to approximately four times the rate of teenage drivers.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that by the year 2030, all of today’s baby boomers will be 65 and older. Road safety analysts report that 11% of all fatal crashes in 2005 were caused by drivers of this age. They also predict that by the year 2030, drivers over 65 will be responsible for 25% of all fatal auto collisions.

If you have been injured in a car accident by a negligent or careless driver, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Contact Wininger Law Firm for a discreet case evaluation. We are only paid if we win a successful settlement or court case for you.

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