N.M. Offers Driver Safety Web Course ; Class Gives Car Insurance Discount to 55 and Older

By ROSALIE RAYBURN Journal Staff Writer

New Mexico is the first state nationwide to offer an online driver safety course that qualifies those who pass to get cheaper car insurance.

AARP introduced a Web version of its driver safety program last fall. The program provides eight hours of instruction designed to sharpen road skills for drivers ages 55 or older.

By state law, drivers who pass get a certificate that entitles them to a discount of up to 10 percent on their car insurance. The certificate is valid for three years.

In late December, the traffic safety bureau of the state Department of Transportation accepted the online course as meeting require- ments for the insurance discount, said Gene Varela, AARP's associate state director.

"New Mexico is the first state to recognize the online course," Varela said.

Drivers of any age can take the course, but, by law, discounts are limited to those 55 and older.

Courses focus on driving habits and safety issues for older drivers, such as vision changes, effects of medication and interaction with other drivers.

Until recently, drivers had to attend the courses in person and that was sometimes difficult for working people or residents of rural areas, Varela said.

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