USD 379 Launches AAA-Certified Defensive Driving Course With Insurance Discounts

The USD 379 district is offering a Defensive Driving Test as part of its Driver Improvement Program, certified by AAA, available multiple times annually. This program is designed not only for district employees required to drive students but is open to all experienced drivers seeking to enhance their driving skills and potentially reduce auto insurance premiums.

This four-hour course combines video materials, live instruction, and a certification process. It addresses key factors leading to collisions, emphasizing the avoidance of distractions, awareness of vehicle limitations, and management of driver fatigue. The course also highlights the unique challenges faced by bus drivers, including managing in-vehicle distractions effectively.

Certification from the program lasts three years, after which drivers can retake the course to maintain eligibility for insurance discounts. Certain insurers like Shelter Insurance offer a flat 7-8% discount on insurance premiums for certified drivers, applicable to all vehicles within a household if one driver completes the program. Farm Bureau offers variable discounts depending on customer-specific factors.

The program also reflects evolving road infrastructure and vehicle technology, educating drivers on modern features such as roundabouts and diamond intersections, which may be unfamiliar to long-time drivers. This ongoing education aims to keep drivers updated with current driving conditions and road safety practices.

Overall, the Driver Improvement Program serves as a tool for risk reduction and compliance for drivers, while providing insurance benefits and reinforcing safe driving habits in response to changing traffic environments.