Defensive driving programs in New Jersey: Costs, benefits, course options

Driving can be stressful, especially here in New Jersey.

No matter your age, or how great a driver you've been told you are, mistakes can happen.

According to the state Motor Vehicle Commission, most road accidents are caused by driver error. To combat such mistakes, drivers of all skill levels and ages can take defensive driving courses, many of which are approved by the state and can have several benefits.

"To reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident you need to understand the concept of defensive driving," says the MVC website . "This course will provide you with standard accident-preventing techniques."

Here is everything you need to know about defensive driving courses in New Jersey.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving is defined on DefensiveDriving.org as "a set of valuable skills that give you the ability to defend yourself while on the road. This includes avoiding collisions caused by oblivious drivers, intoxicated drivers, or inclement weather."

DefensiveDriving.org says tips for defensive driving include:

• Keeping a safe distance.
• Driving at a safe speed.
• Always using your turn signal.
• Being observant of your surroundings.
• Planning ahead.
• Not assuming other drivers' intentions.

Defensive driving courses can help drivers focus on improving these skills to prevent accidents and avoid breaking the law while driving, says DefensiveDriving.org.

How much do defensive driving courses cost?

The cost of taking a defensive driving course varies depending on the provider.

Prices can be as low as $5, which is the fee for $5 Dollar Traffic School, a provider that is listed as offering a state-approved course on the Motor Vehicle Commission's website. The $5 Dollar Traffic School website says the $5 fee includes everything you need to complete the defensive driving course for point and insurance reduction.

Multiple courses on the state's approved list have fees ranging from $20 to $25.

You can check out several courses to see which price point will work best for you.

Insurance discounts, point reduction

Aside from the benefit of safety, defensive driving courses can be beneficial in other ways.

The MVC says completing a defensive driving course can qualify you for an insurance rate reduction. How much you can save is hard to say with certainty, though, because of variables based on the course and the insurance company.

The Progressive insurance company says that although a defensive driving discount may be offered to drivers of all ages, they are often geared toward younger and older drivers who may have higher car insurance premiums.

You can contact your insurance agent for more information about approved courses and offered discounts.

In addition to insurance benefits, the completion of a state-approved defensive driving course could allow New Jersey drivers to have two points removed from the accumulated points on their license.

Drivers can receive a two-point reduction once every five years.

The MVC recommends that drivers check with their course provider about point reduction before registering.

Defensive driving courses in North Jersey

On its website, the MVC provides residents with a list of state-approved online and in-person defensive driving courses.

These courses are voluntary and are not a substitute for the Driver Improvement Course or the Probationary Driver Program, the commission's two remedial driver programs.

Listed state-approved classroom defensive driving courses in North Jersey include:

• Defensive Driving Course Inc. in Jersey City: 973-390-8768.
• AAA - Northeast in Wayne: 866-901-8457.
• Avanti Industries LLC in Wanaque: 973-650-2375.
• Drive Safer LLC in Mahwah: 201-485-7792.
• A-1 Peck Driving School in Mine Hill: 973-927-9817.
• Gold Cross Safety Corp. in Boonton: 973-402-8910.

For the complete list of state-approved defensive driving courses, including online providers, visit nj.gov/mvc/license/driverprograms.htm .

Motorcycle riders can visit nj.gov/mvc/license/njridesafe/index.html to learn more about state-approved motorcycle safety courses.

Mature defensive driver courses

The MVC also provides New Jersey residents with a list of defensive driving courses that are specifically designed for "mature drivers" who are 55 and older.

"One out of four New Jersey residents is 55 years or older. This ratio is expected to increase in the coming years. Mobility by driving is essential for this group," says the MVC website, highlighting the fact that physical changes such as declines in vision, hearing, reaction time and flexibility are a normal part of the aging process.

"They can continue to drive safely by learning to compensate for these changes," the MVC says of mature drivers.

To view a list of state-approved mature driver courses as well as the course websites and contact information, visit nj.gov/mvc/license/driverprograms.htm and scroll down to the last section on the page.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Defensive driving programs in New Jersey: Costs, benefits, course options