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Heavy lake-effect snow dumps more than 5 feet over parts of Great Lakes region; Study: Fish farms consume far more wild fish than previously thought; Maryland's federal workers prepare to defend their jobs; Federal investments help bolster MA workforce training programs.

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President-elect Trump's pick to lead the FBI says he'll eradicate the "deep state," Democrats say President Biden's pardon of his son could haunt them, and new allegations surface regarding the man Trump has tapped to lead the Pentagon.

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Residents in Colorado's rural communities face challenges to recycling, climate change and Oregon's megadrought are worrying firefighters, and a farm advocacy group says corporate greed is behind high food prices in Montana.

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

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Monday, June 17, 2024   

On average, nearly 40% of traffic-fatality victims in Minnesota are 55 and older.

A law change soon goes into effect to help more of these drivers protect themselves behind the wheel, along with other motorists.

The Minnesota Legislature has approved cutting in half the driver-safety class hours Minnesota seniors are required to take to get an auto insurance discount.

Supporters note that class participation is lagging, with only 30% of those eligible signing up.

Joe Biernat - an instructor with the Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center at St. Cloud State University - said with an aging population, more older drivers will likely be on the roads, but not enough are up to speed on evolving traffic trends and rules.

"Minnesota spends so much money on infrastructure every year, but we spend very little on the driver that uses that infrastructure," said Biernat. "This change will entice more people to participate, it will make them better drivers. It will make the roads safer."

The move also follows a surge in overall roadway fatalities so far in 2024.

Biernat acknowledged it might be a challenge fitting all the necessary information into a reduced class schedule.

But AARP says an independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the knowledge drivers retained.

AARP's Minnesota State Coordinator for Driver Safety Cheryl Salo further pointed out that by simply completing the course, no matter the length, participants are ready to be more alert when behind the wheel.

"The research has shown that when people have taken driver-safety courses," said Salo, "they change at least one driving behavior."

She said participants can also spur more safety conversations among friends and family, extending their knowledge to drivers from other age groups.

Auto insurance rates have been on the rise - and officials say combined with the shortened class requirement, that could be a motivating factor for people to secure the 10% discount.



Disclosure: AARP Minnesota contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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