Defensive Driving Course Benefits
Many people drive every day, but even the most careful drivers can benefit from improving their skills. Defensive driving courses are among the best ways to stay safe on Colorado roads. These courses teach techniques to help drivers avoid accidents, make better decisions behind the wheel, and even save money.
In this article, we’ll break down what a defensive driving course is, who should take one, and the major benefits, especially if you’ve been involved in a car accident or want to lower your risk of being in one.
What Is a Defensive Driving Course?
A defensive driving course teaches drivers how to drive more safely and responsibly. The main goal is to reduce the risk of accidents by helping drivers anticipate and respond to road hazards, bad weather, aggressive drivers, and other dangers.
These courses are usually offered online or in person and can take four to eight hours to complete. Many are approved by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and some are court-approved for drivers who have received traffic tickets.
At the end of the course, you’ll often receive a certificate that you can use for insurance discounts or to meet court requirements.
Top Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Course
There are many good reasons to take a defensive driving course in Colorado. Let’s look at the most important ones:
Reduce Your Risk of Accidents
The most obvious benefit is safety, as defensive driving courses teach you how to spot trouble before it happens.
In these courses, you’ll learn:
- How to maintain a safe following distance
- What to do if another driver is acting aggressively
- How to drive in bad weather, like snow or rain
- How to avoid distractions like texting or eating
These skills can help you avoid collisions and keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe.
Lower Your Insurance Premiums
Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a certified defensive driving course. In Colorado, you could save up to 10% on your premiums depending on your insurer.
To get the discount, make sure the course is approved by your insurance provider. You’ll usually need to provide a completion certificate to qualify.
Erase or Reduce Traffic Tickets
If you receive a minor traffic ticket in Colorado, a court may allow you to complete a defensive driving course in exchange for dismissing the citation or reducing the fine. This can help keep your driving record clean and prevent points from being added to your license.
A clean record can also help you avoid increased insurance rates and the possibility of losing your license from too many infractions.
Refresh Your Knowledge of Driving Laws
Traffic laws change over time, and it’s easy to forget the rules if you’ve been driving for many years.
Defensive driving courses provide a helpful refresher on state laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and more. This knowledge can help you avoid tickets and stay up to date with what’s expected on Colorado roads.
Build Confidence Behind the Wheel
If you’re nervous about driving, especially after an accident or a long break, taking a course can help rebuild your confidence. Understanding how to handle emergencies and unsafe drivers makes you feel more in control, which leads to safer driving habits.
Colorado-Specific Defensive Driving Perks
Colorado offers several local benefits for defensive driving course completion:
- Point reduction: In some cases, taking a course can reduce the number of points on your license. This is particularly useful if you’re close to the limit where your license might be suspended.
- Court diversion programs: Some counties let you take a defensive driving course as part of a diversion program to avoid court appearances or fines.
- Insurance discounts for seniors: Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers over 55 who complete a state-approved course.
Check with your local DMV or court for eligibility before enrolling.
Reach Out to Our Team for Help After a Wreck
A defensive driving course is a smart investment in your safety and your wallet. Whether you’re a new driver, someone looking to erase a ticket, or just want a refresher, the benefits are clear. You’ll drive with more confidence, protect yourself and others, and may even enjoy lower insurance rates. Taking a few hours to learn these life-saving skills can make all the difference on the road.
If you need help after a wreck, call our Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Injury Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
With the right preparation and a common-sense approach to hiking, there’s no reason you can’t stay safe and have a fun and memorable experience amid the natural beauty Colorado is known for.
If you suffer an injury along the way because of the negligent or malicious behavior of others, a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options.
For more information, please contact the Denver personal injury lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
