Learn Safe Driving Tips in Four Hours

By: State: Nebraska | Source: AARP.org

Older Nebraskans can tune up their driving skills and refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road with a new 4-hour driver safety course from AARP.

For 30 years, the AARP Driver Safety Program has helped millions of older drivers protect their safety on our nation's roads by completing an 8-hour class. Now the course is available in Nebraska as a shorter 4-hour version to fit our active and busy lifestyles.

Course participants learn how to develop safe driving strategies to compensate for normal, age-related physical changes; reduce traffic violations, crashes and chances for injuries; and get the most current information about recent changes in laws and car design. A workbook offers drivers self tests and quick tips to sharpen their skills behind the wheel.

"The 4-hour Driver Safety course is a great opportunity for drivers to refocus on safety," said Susan McLain-Pierce, Nebraska's AARP Driver Safety coordinator. "Each of us needs to take responsibility for keeping up our own driving capabilities and monitoring those of family members, whether young or old. People gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others."

The class was piloted in Kentucky and Wisconsin and proved so popular that it became a substitute for the original 8-hour version of the course. Nebraska is one of 21 states now offering the 4-hour course. (Drivers can also enroll in an 8-hour interactive online course by logging on to www.aarp.org/driver/online).

Although it is geared to drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to people of all ages. AARP membership is not required. Cost is $12 for members and $14 for non-members. For information about courses in your area, please call 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/drive.