Cuomo Steering Right Way with Proposal to Put Accident Prevention Courses Online

Photographer:SerrNovik (Sergey N

Contacts: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org; David Irwin, dirwin@aarp.org

AARP Urges Lawmakers to Approve Governor’s Plan; Would Help Drivers Save Money, Improve Safety 

ALBANY, New York – AARP today praised Governor Andrew Cuomo for proposing that accident prevention courses be available online to all New York drivers, helping them save money on their insurance premiums and reduce points on their driver’s licenses.

The governor recommended turning a pilot online course program into a statewide offering as part of his 2014-15 state budget proposal. AARP is urging state lawmakers to approve the move as part of the final budget.

Since August 2009, more than 75,000 New York residents have completed an online version of a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles-approved classroom course from the AARP Driver Safety program.

“AARP believes an online delivery method provides a huge service to the more than 2.5 million AARP members and non-members in New York that choose to participate in this course,” Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York State, wrote in a letter to legislative leaders asking them to take action.

AARP research shows that 97% of participants change at least one driving behavior as a result of taking the course, improving their own safety and that of their fellow drivers.

AARP Driver Safety course participants can receive a 10% reduction for three years in the base rate of their automobile liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums. Motorists who complete the course are also eligible to receive a point reduction once in 18 months.

The AARP Driver Safety program has turned $600,000 over to DMV in course fee revenue since 2009.

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;  www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at  www.aarp.org .

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