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Health & Fitness

Defensive Driving Course Saves Money and Lives. Register by Nov. 25

Register by Nov. 25 in two-day defensive driving course at Library. Participation will save points and insurance costs.

 

An attitude adjustment could save your life.

Road rage, cell phones, decision-making, and attitude will be among the topics discussed in a two-day defensive driving course on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction.

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This is an official point and insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. Participation can save you points and money, but the lessons learned will certainly save lives.

“Drive with the attitude that everyone on the road is trying to kill you,” says Ret. Lt. Tom Chartoff, instructor and president of the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey. The driving program is offered by the Institute and taught by retired police academy driving instructors.

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People need to be prepared to respond so there are no surprises, he explained. “Think ahead. Have a plan.”

The course is not intended to be a driver’s education course or a course for new drivers. Participants should have at least one year of driving experience. Ret. Lt. Chartoff marveled out how drivers are taught the skills at age 17 and then drive for the next 60 years or more without any required update.

Learning to be a better defensive driver is really about attitude and can make all the difference. The bottom line, says Ret. Lt. Chartoff, is that drivers need to “treat people on the road the way you would treat them face-to-face.”

The financial and points benefits of taking the course can include savings of as much as $100 per year and a 2-point reduction. Inform your automobile insurance company representative that you are enrolled in a National Safety Council course and ask for specific clarification about what point and cost reductions to anticipate.

“For the most part the course pays for itself.”

Pre-registration is required. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Library’s Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 25 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.

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