If you are 55 or older, you can save some money on your auto insurance by taking a driver safety class. New Mexico law (paragraph 59A-32-14 in the Insurance Code) provides that insurers must give you a discount if you take such a class, approved by the Traffic Safety Bureau of the Transportation Department, and provide a certificate to your insurance company. The statute does not specify the amount of the discount. The discount is good for three years.<\/p>\n
I recommend that you do this. You will learn useful things, you will be a safer driver, and you will not be bored. Take an in-person class rather than an online class, if you can find one. Check with a senior citizen center near you to find out if classes are offered. In some cities, AARP offers classes taught by trained volunteers.<\/p>\n
You might find yourself in a lively conversation \u2013 as I have on several occasions. A few examples:<\/p>\n
Some years ago, the instructor talked about the strength of the steel barriers that line hazardous places on New Mexico roads. I was fascinated. I occasionally drive on roads where one of those barriers is the only thing between me and a sheer drop. Since that class, I\u2019m a little more confident that the barrier will save me if I\u2019m driving at a reasonable speed.<\/p>\n
Do you know how to check your tires for age? Recent news stories tell us our tires might be older than we think, and that tires age even if they are lying in a warehouse or if we\u2019re driving minimally. The date of manufacture is in a code on the sidewall of the tire. The instructor reminds us that in New Mexico, the sunshine and dry climate make tires wear faster. I just checked mine and they\u2019re much older than the date I bought them. It may be time to replace them \u2013 and, next time, to demand tires manufactured less than two years prior to date of purchase.<\/p>\n
Do you know how to check yourself for age? The classes are helpful for techniques to compensate for issues like reduced ability to turn your head \u2013 and also for pointers on when it\u2019s time to give up your keys and stop driving. New Mexico has eight-year driver\u2019s licenses and no laws requiring us to stop driving when our health or vision makes us unsafe. I appreciate being reminded of why I need to be cautious \u2013 because other people are doing dangerous things like texting or driving while medicated. One reason to use your headlights in the daytime is other drivers with poor eyesight.<\/p>\n
Have you ever found yourself driving into the setting sun? You can get anti-glare coating on your glasses or a flip-up tinted attachment for your windshield visor. When I\u2019m driving into that blinding sun with my life-saving visor attachment, I sometimes remember other drivers around me probably don\u2019t have one. Yikes.<\/p>\n
Do you let your dog poke its head out the car window? In Albuquerque that is prohibited by a city ordinance, which says animals \u201cmust not be allowed access to a window opened wide enough for the Animal to jump, fly or fall out.\u201d Even if it\u2019s not illegal where you live, it\u2019s a bad idea. The dog\u2019s eyes can be damaged by particles in the air.<\/p>\n
A tip about police officers: If you are pulled over by an officer out of uniform, or you\u2019re otherwise unsure this is a real policeman, open your window just a crack, hand over your license and registration as requested, tell the officer you are reaching for your cell phone, and phone 911.<\/p>\n
The classes cover much more. Please take one. You\u2019ll make the roads safer for yourself and the rest of us.<\/p>\n
Triple Spaced Again, \u00a9 New Mexico News Services 2015<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you are 55 or older, you can save some money on your auto insurance by taking a driver safety class. New Mexico law (paragraph 59A-32-14 in the Insurance Code) provides that insurers must give you a discount if you … Continue reading