We've all complained at some time in our lifes about how the senior citizens around us our driving. I'm happy to announce that insurance companies are finally doing something about it. They are planning to reward the older drivers around us with discounts on their insurance premiums, if they can prove they are road worthy. In addition, some insurance carriers are investigating a computer based video exercise that attempts to improve visual processing speed, and visual perception of drivers over age 50.
State Farm is collabarting with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to measure and potentially improve cognitive skills. Volunteers age 75 and older can sign up for a free driving-skills program. State Farm customers in Alabama can currently take a 20 minute assessment test to see if they qualify for discounts. Plans to expand the program nationwide have not yet been released.
Allstate volunteer participants in Pennsylvania are being asked to complete at least 10 hours of training on software that includes five exercises. Drivers take a trip on Route 66 from California to Illinois, and along the way are asked to spot various cars on the road and signs on the edge of the screen. The experiment is expected to last 6 to 9 months to determine there will be a reduction in the number of accidents between the group participating in the expermiment and the those sitting out. The Pensylvania test runs until March, when Allstate will decide whether to introduce the program elsewhere.
Lets hope these programs go nationwide soon!!
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