Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation that would allow, but not require, insurers to give discounts to Michigan drivers age 50 and older who take a safety course.
The senior driver legislation is House Bill 5661, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek.
The law signed last week is seen by the AARP as a starting point to encourage Michigan insurers to offer senior discounts and to get more seniors taking safety classes. Nearly 53,000 people in Minnesota completed the AARP class in 2005, while Michigan had just 2,800 graduates.
The eight-hour class aims to maintain or improve seniors’ driving skills.
Thirty-six states require insurance discounts for seniors who take safety classes. Michigan’s system will be voluntary because the insurance lobby opposes mandated discounts.
Safety classes teach senior motorists to keep a safe following distance, check for blind spots, know the effects of medication on driving and exercise certain muscle groups used to drive, among other things.
Topics Personal Auto Michigan
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