Would you like to save money on your car insurance? If you're over 55, all you have to do is take a four hour defensive driving class. Saturday, the AARP sponsored a class at UAMS to help drivers learn how to deal with people with road rage and lots of other problems you might run into on the road.
"I would love to see a class like this required. Most people think these classes are very boring," says the AARP's Michael Zelhof.
But, every time Zelhof teaches the class, he learns something new himself.
"A lot of people have been driving on the interstate highway system for years and don't even know the basic rules of the interstate highway system," he adds.
Steven and Donna Brown signed up to save money, but learned a lot Saturday.
"Because of my age, I have to be more aware of my surroundings, especially at intersections because my reaction time is maybe not as fast as it used to be," says Steven Brown.
After changing insurance companies, they found out they can save more than $100 a year by taking the course once every three years.
"If you take it every three years, if you're going to reach that point where you really shouldn't be driving, then you've got a better chance of knowing when it's time to quit," explained Donna Brown.
Clarice Anderson also came in for the discount. The amount you save depends on your insurance company. She's also more confident on the road.
"At stop lights, make sure that you wait a few seconds before taking off after the lights turn green, and if possible trying to avoid making a left turn," Anderson says.
The AARP says 95-percent of drivers over 55 haven't taken a driver safety class. Now, the Browns are part of the five-percent who have.
"I have reviewed some of the things that I have kind of forgotten over the years, that has kind of brought them back to my attention," says Steven Brown.
If this sounds like something you're interested in, it costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The next class is at 8:30 a.m. on September 11. For more information, call Marsha Hines at (501) 526-6553.
