AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road

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Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration and the Census Bureau. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, according to Forbes.

Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing the data makes clear is: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.

For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.

Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes:

Friday, April 19, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Thursday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Thursday, June 18, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Thursday, Aug. 13, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Monday, Sep. 30, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Friday, Nov. 15, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.

Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?
The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.

Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online?
The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.

So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!

Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.

Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >>