With more than 2.4 million licensed drivers in Oklahoma, there’s a good chance that on any given day some of them aren’t driving safely. It’s not uncommon to see drivers running a red light, texting behind the wheel or speeding own the highway. While you can’t predict the actions of other drivers, it is possible to take better control of your vehicle with a defensive driving course. Benefits of enrolling in a defensive driving program include:

1. Sharpening Your Driving Skills

How long has it been since you took your driver’s test? Chances are you’ve forgotten a few rules of the road. Enrolling in a defensive driving course can serve as a refresher for driving practices that are designed to keep you and other motorists and pedestrians safe.

In 2015 there were more than 53,500 accidents across the Oklahoma. On a national scale, distracted drivers kill 8 people and injure 1,161 every day. Enrolling in a defensive driving course can serve as a reminder of why it’s important to focus solely on safety. Most courses offer tips on becoming more aware of your surroundings so you can defend yourself against possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunken drivers and inclement weather.

2. Saving Money on Car Insurance

Depending on the insurance company you use and where you live, it might be possible to save money just by staying safe. Some insurance companies offer incentives for completing accident prevention or defensive driving classes, and others offer discounts for being accident free. Discounts vary by company so it is important to check with your insurance carrier and ask about your options.

3. Removing Points from Your Driver’s Record

Oklahoma uses the mandatory point system to monitor drivers. All licensed drivers begin with a clean driving record. When drivers are convicted of a “pointable” traffic violation they have points added to their driving record. If a person accumulates 10 or more points within five years their license will be suspended.

Want to start cleaning up your record? The state has two approved ways to reduce your points: stay accident free or take a defensive driving course. For each 12-month period a driver remains free of traffic violations that are assessed with points they are eligible to have two points removed from their record. Stay accident free for three years and points are automatically reduced to zero.

Need to get points taken off sooner? The state allows for two points to be deducted after you complete a defensive driving course. Credit for defensive driving courses can be given once every 24 months.  The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is the administrative authority when it comes to regulating defensive driving courses, so when you choose a course, be sure it is an approved program like the one at Meridian Technology Center.

A complete list of offenses and their point values can be found in the Oklahoma driver’s manual.

Meridian Technology Center is a state-approved agency that can administer a defensive driving course. If you’re interested in learning how to stay safe on the road, check out our complete list of  short courses. Call 405.377.3333 to register.