AARP launches driver safety online course

July 5 marked the launch of AARP's Driver Safety Online Course. The online course presents the same information as the popular in-classroom AARP driver safety programs taught throughout New York state by 1,000 AARP-trained volunteers. The AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 10 million participants nationally, over the past 26 years in the classroom setting.

According to the most recent data from the Federal Highway Administration, there are approximately 75 million licensed drivers age 50 and older in the U.S. This constitutes 38 percent of all drivers on the nation's roadways. According to U.S. government figures, this percentage is expected to increase significantly in the years ahead, increasing the need for safe driving practices.

The AARP Drive Safety Online Course is designed to help educate participants about how best to reduce traffic violations, crashes and chances for injuries; update knowledge about relevant laws; and provide safe driving strategies to compensate for age-related chances that affect one's driving ability. The course also stresses the importance of periodically monitoring one's own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

The AARP Driver Safety Online Course is eight-hours long and can be taken at the participant's own pace and within the convenience of their daily routines. The cost of the program is $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non-members. Though geared for drivers age 50 and older, the courses are open to all ages.

To enroll for the AARP Driver Safety Online Course or for information visit www.aarp.org/drive/online.

July 9, 2006