New York State offers a Defensive Driving Program that can help drivers not only save on their automobile insurance, but also reduce points on their driver license if they are in danger of losing it. To learn more about this program, we spoke with insurance agent Michael Gray, a Defensive Driving Course instructor and insurance agent at the Floss Agency, Inc., 6455 Transit Road, PO Box 370, East Amherst, New York 14051-0370, (716) 688-5115. His answers to some of the questions posed are set forth below.
- Does the Defensive Driving Course help drivers who sustain an alcohol related conviction under VTL § 1192?
The six hour Defensive Driving Course can help a driver who sustained an alcohol related conviction by lowering his or her Liability and Collision Premium by 10% for three years. The driver also may be able to reduce four points from his or her license. Completing the Defensive Driving Course will not remove the alcohol related conviction from the driver's record.
- Can you provide a simple example of how the Defensive Driving Course results in savings to a client?
If, for example, the total insurance premium for a vehicle $1,500, with $1,200 of that premium being for Liability and Collision coverage, the premium savings would be $120 per year (10% of $1,200). As a result, the total premium would drop from $1,500 to $1,380.
- Can Defensive Driving Courses take more than four points off your driving record?
The course can take up to four points off of a driver license. The driver license must be at risk of being suspended, which occurs when a driver has more than eleven points on his or her license. The course will reduce a maximum of four points or down to eleven points remaining on the license, whichever is less.
- Please explain your background, training and experience as a Defensive Driving instructor?
My background is in business insurance, and I am a licensed NYS insurance agent. My training to become a Defensive Driving Instructor was part of a self-study course which included written tests. I took this course through the Empire Safety Council. The course covers NYS laws and codes, and you must score 100 on all examinations.
After completing the course, I had to conduct courses with an instructor who had already been licensed. You are required to work with a licensed instructor until he or she approves you to teach on your own.
- How much does the Defensive Driving Course cost to take?
I currently set my rate at $35 per person, but supporting businesses often offer a discount. For example, signing up for the course through an insurance agent or auto dealership may save you five or ten dollars. I also offer group discounts. The maximum number of people allowed in one class is forty. The fee is set by me, and it can vary with different instructors. I know that it can be quite a bit more expensive to take the course in New York City, for example.
- Where is the course taught?
The course can be taught anywhere. The site has to be approved at least three weeks in advance by the organization overseeing the instructor. In my case, this would be the Empire Safety Council. The site needs to have a television, a board to write on, and adequate seating.
- What topics are covered?
The course mainly covers nuts and bolts driving issues. We discuss topics such as steering when a vehicle is hydroplaning, what to expect if your air bag is activated during an accident, road signs and lane markings, road rage, what to do if you hit an animal, and the general rules of the road.
We will also discuss Driving While Intoxicated, with an emphasis on making decisions before drinking. We'll discuss the impact of refusing to take a breath test, revocation of a license versus suspension, and liability for serving alcohol to someone who later drives and has an accident. I have a pair of glasses that simulates the effect on your vision when you have a .10% blood alcohol level, which I pass around the room.
I try to keep the course discussion oriented instead of lecturing, which allows people to bring up their own questions. We also will watch movies demonstrating different driving problems.
- How often can a driver take this course for point reduction?
The course can be taken to reduce points every eighteen months.
- Are there any other driver safety courses that you would recommend?
The Empire Safety Council also offers a boating safety course with a similar format to the Defensive Driving Course. Completing the course reduces your boating insurance premium.
- Is the Defensive Driving Course worth taking even if you have no points on your driving record?
The course also can be taken to reduce insurance premiums once every three years. It's also a good refresher course for any driver to take to stay up to date on the law. As I tell me students, far more people are killed every year in automobile accidents than in firearm accidents, but there is no requirement for continuing education or additional training once you obtain a driver license.
If readers have any additional questions regarding alcohol counseling, they are invited to contact Mr. Arevalo at the Village Counseling Center, the Village Counseling Center, 3580 Harlem Road, Suite 2, Cheektowaga, New York 14215-2045, (716) 832-8231 for further information.
