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For many of us our last driving course was when we first got our drivers' licenses. How many years ago would that be? Probably it is more than 5 years. 

Driving has changed. Vehicles have changed. Traffic laws have changed. Roads have changed. The age of the average driver is increasing. Health issues become a problem. People are holding onto drivers' licenses longer. Yet, we still believe we can drive using what we learned many years ago.

For these reasons, in addition to mandatory driver improvement courses that may be required because of an accident, or multiple accidents, drivers may want to consider going to driver refresher courses.

"In an effort to help prevent the tragedy associated with accidents, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. feel we should be proactive in providing information about voluntary driver refresher courses and mandatory driver improvement courses required by the state of Florida in this blog," said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Optional Driver Improvement Courses for Senior Drivers

With the rapidly growing number of senior drivers, drivers 50 years of age and older, on our highways, many states have developed programs, resources, special tools and driver license restrictions to manage safe driving.

In Florida, drivers under 79 must renew their drivers' licenses every 8 years. Drivers over 80 must renew every 6 years. An in-person renewal with a mandatory vision test is required for all drivers over the age of 80 every 3 years. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles can also place restrictions or conditions on a driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and AARP each offer courses for seniors.

AAA

According to the AAA website,

"Driving is a skill that can and should be continually improved. A driver improvement course online or in a classroom can help senior drivers keep driving knowledge fresh and get the most out of your vehicle, while reducing risk to you, your passengers and others on the road.

Although SeniorDriving.AAA.com contains many driving tips, taking a comprehensive driving improvement course will ensure that you have the most up-to-date driving techniques and understand the latest vehicle technologies.

As you age, it is important for senior drivers to know and understand how to adjust for slower reflexes, weaker vision and other changes. As a group, senior drivers are at a higher risk of having a serious collision per mile driven than any other age group except for those under age 25. Drivers in their late 70s have about the same number of injury-involved crashes per mile driven as drivers in their early 20s. And drivers age 85 and older are injured or killed in crashes at a higher rate than any other age group. This is due primarily to increased fragility that comes with age.  Older senior drivers are generally less able to withstand the forces of a crash, so they are more likely to become injured, compared with younger, stronger and fitter individuals. Older adults also don’t typically recover from injuries as quickly as they once did."

AARP  

AARP, through its program "Command The Road With AARP Driver Safety" offers courses both in the classroom and online. They also have an online Driver Resource Center where visitors can improve their driving knowledge through articles and activities.

Mandatory Driver Improvement Courses

Florida Statutes Section 318.14 states that drivers must complete a basic driver improvement course called a Traffic Collision Avoidance Course if they want to retain their licenses after the following circumstances:

• They were a driver in a crash and are found at fault and

         someone was transported to the hospital.

• They had two crashes in a two-year period, which resulted in property damage greater than $500.
• They passed a stopped school bus.
• They were convicted of highway racing.
• They were involved in highway racing as a spectator.
• They were cited for reckless driving.
• They received a ticket for running a red light.

"If you or a family member are involved in a vehicle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney," said Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.