Gov. Rell Signs Bill to Encourage People Aged 60

and Up to Take Accident Prevention Courses

Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that encourages drivers aged 60 years and over to take and pass an approved accident prevention course.

The Governor signed "An Act Concerning Automobile Insurance Discounts for Drivers 60 Years of Age and Over Who Complete an Accident Prevention Course." 

The bill decreases, from 62 to 60, the age at which a driver is eligible for an automobile insurance policy premium discount upon successfully completing a Department of Motor Vehicles-approved accident prevention course.

By law, the premium discount must be at least 5% and must apply for at least 24 months.  The driver must complete a course within one year before applying for an initial discount. For any future discount, the driver must complete a course within one year before the current discount expires.

"Accident prevention courses serve to reduce auto crashes and help save lives," Governor Rell said. "These memory refreshing courses provide drivers with additional safety knowledge, and this law will provide an incentive that gets many more seniors into these courses."

Currently there are 39 other states that provide insurance discount opportunities to people taking driver safety courses.

The law takes effect on October 1, 2007.