AARP launches driver safety online course nationwide

WASHINGTON, July 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- AARP today launches its Driver Safety Online Course nationwide. The online course presents the same information as the popular in-classroom AARP driver safety programs taught throughout the U.S. by 10,000 AARP-trained volunteers. The AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more then 10 million participants over the past 26 years in the classroom setting. Now, this same valuable information is available via the internet.

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% 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.

"AARP is committed to keeping the roads safe for everyone and helping drivers stay safe as long as possible," stated Tom Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, AARP. "AARP research shows 55% of our members are regular internet users and this tool presents an opportunity to reach millions more. Now it is possible to take this top notch driver safety course when it fits into the schedules of the very active 50-plus population."

The AARP Driver 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 changes that affect one’s driving ability. The course also stresses the importance of periodically monitoring one’s own and others’ driving skills and capabilities.

Over the past three months, AARP conducted a successful field test in four states including Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, and Missouri. Participants rated the course highly and shared some of their observations after taking the online course:

"We always need to refresh safety information and this seemed like a relaxed and inexpensive way of doing it," stated Tom Keane from Missouri. "Safe driving is an intangible benefit, until you need it, then it becomes a life saver. The best part of taking this course is that it could be taken at leisure, was economically priced, well written and a good review of safe practices."

"The course made me stop and think about safety related driving issues. I make more of an effort to ensure that I look extra closely when backing up, to follow the 3 second rule, and to try to keep from getting angry at "weavers", cell phone users, etc," commented Vernon Brown from Alabama. "I now find myself thinking about driving more safely when I’m behind the wheel."

The AARP Driver Safety Online Course is 8-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 people of any age.

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

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50-plus have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. They produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, their bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, their quarterly newsletter for 50-plus educators; and their website, http://www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. They have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.