Senior drivers can qualify for insurance rate reduction by taking safety course

May 31-- May 31--The Alliance works on traffic issues in the community to make roadways safer and addresses residential and commercial development density to influence roadway design and expedite traffic signal installation.

A state statute says insurance companies may reduce premiums for drivers age 55 and older if they successfully complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles such as the course being offered by the Alliance.

"The Senior Citizen Safe Driver Course will be completed at a one-time session and presented during a morning and portion of an afternoon," said course creator Joel Vinikoor. "At our May 1, 2019 general meeting, we began to sign up communities who want the course given in their clubhouses. All attendees who are residents of an Alliance member community will enjoy a discounted fee of $10; $15 for others."

The Alliance formed a Motor Vehicle Safety Committee two years ago to create a course syllabus, manual and discussion material.

Three West Boca Toastmasters members who are proficient in public speaking comprise the Alliance Education Committee and will be leading the sessions. They include Vinikoor, John Gentithes, the Alliance president's assistant with a history of working for a Fortune 500 company educating workers with commercial driver's licenses, and Paul Finkelstein, Alliance director licensed in both investments and life, health and annuity insurance.

Upon completion of the course, each attendee must pass a written test evaluating their knowledge of its content. Those who pass will be issued a certificate that can be used to earn the premium discount required by the state.

Three dates for the Mature Driver Course have been scheduled for the Alliance's general membership: Oct. 17, 2019; and Feb. 7 and 24, 2020 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach. These dates coincide with the Alliance's Insurance Expo, Get to Know PBC Expo and Nostalgic Expo, respectively.

"I firmly believe that offering a Mature Driver Course would not only be of great benefit to my development but to fellow residents of other similar communities," said Milton Weller, president of the Lakes of Delray senior community.

"The laws of driving, especially in Florida, are constantly changing and we all should be aware so that we as responsible drivers can protect ourselves and others on the road as best as we can. The Lakes of Delray has multiple guard-gated accesses into the community, one of which is our main entrance that sits on a very busy street, Atlantic Avenue between Military and Jog Road. We make it a point to send out friendly driving tips to our residents monthly as this area on Atlantic Avenue tends to be accident prone," he said.

"The Mature Driver Course will add safety for our drivers and will allow them to receive a discount toward their auto insurance once a certificate of completion is presented; it's an all-around win for my residents and others that fit the criteria of this course."

Alliance of Delray President Bob Schulbaum said the course refreshes driving skills and provides information about existing and new Florida driving laws.

"This will assist our membership in traveling our challenging and sometimes treacherous roadways," he said.

The Alliance of Delray membership includes more than 200 local communities and 90 Master Associations with a total population of more than 100,000 residents.

For membership or other information, visit AllianceofDelray.com, call 561-495-9670, or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Mort Mazor is a South Florida Community News correspondent.

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