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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/helena-mt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022525-cgn2w9dmcrs.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022525">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/25/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022725-3fnflhxngs5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022725">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/27/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mpnftrjmmqj.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Montana Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Montana Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMontana" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMontana" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMontana">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Helena</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">MTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Montana</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-montana/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-HELENA-MT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMontana" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmontana" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/helena-mt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022525-cgn2w9dmcrs.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022525">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/25/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022725-3fnflhxngs5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022725">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/27/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mpnftrjmmqj.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration and the Census Bureau. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, according to Forbes.
Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing the data makes clear is: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.
For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.
2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes:
Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena
Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.
Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?
The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.
Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online?
The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.
So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!
Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.
Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >>
This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the AARP Montana page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT
Cohesion Dance Project
Helena, MT
Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT
Cohesion Dance Project
Helena, MT
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. MT
Zoom
Online Event
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Smart Driver course aims to help Montanans stay safe on the road</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/30/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/2e/9f5448d846f0834db702d2a4807f/driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" alt="Driver-safety-volunteer-instructor-5.jpg" width="2048" height="1126"/> </figure> </div> </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-right">.</p><p>Driving, of course, is a big part of life in Montana, including for older drivers looking to maintain their independence. However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. 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However, with a vast state and great distances between towns, it’s not surprising that Montana ranks #8 in the nation for vehicle miles traveled per-capita, according to data from the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Highway Administration</a></span></span> and the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-total.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census Bureau</a></span></span>. Additionally, Montana ranks #1 in the nation for the most dangerous state for drivers, with a higher-than-average number of fatal accidents and deaths per capita, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/most-dangerous-states-for-drivers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Forbes</a></span></span>.<br><br>Furthermore, in Montana, the number of older drivers is growing rapidly. And one thing <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813341" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the data makes clear is</a></span></span>: the older you get, the more vulnerable you are in crashes. It’s why experts say it’s important older drivers refresh their skills and be aware of how their age may impact their driving.<br><br>For all these reasons, AARP Montana is encouraging older Treasure State residents to sign up for the AARP Smart Driver course, which covers topics like the effects of medication on driving, ways to reduce driver distractions, the proper use of technology found in today’s cars, and strategies for coping with age-related physical changes.<br><br><b><u>2025 Course Schedule for Helena Smart Driver Classes: </u></b><br><br><b>Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Thursday, March 6, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Helena Senior Center, 201 Cruse Avenue, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, April 14, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Friday, May 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><b>Monday, August 11, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM: First Interstate Bank, 2728 Colonial Drive, Helena</b><br>Register by phone - (406) 457- 4712. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and date of the class you'd like to attend.<br><br><br><b>Why Take a Defensive Driving Course?</b><br>The AARP Smart Driver course is the nation’s first refresher course specifically designed for drivers age 50 and older. Defensive driving may look a little different today than when we first got our licenses—and it's not just about wearing a seatbelt. Defensive driving uses key tactics to help you stay safer on the road. An evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit as a result of what they learned.<br><br><b>Will I get an auto insurance discount for completing the course online? </b><br>The AARP Smart Driver™ online course is recognized as an approved Highway Traffic Safety course for automobile insurance premium reduction by the Montana Department of Transportation. Drivers age 55 and older may be eligible for an appropriate reduction in automobile insurance premium charges after completing this course. Please check with your insurance company or agent prior to taking this course for any additional requirements for eligibility.<br><br>So hit the road with confidence with the newly updated, award-winning AARP Smart Driver course. You will learn helpful driving strategies, and you may even qualify for a multiyear discount on your auto insurance! Plus, AARP members save 20% on the cost of the course!<br><br>Register Early... These Courses Regularly Sell Out.<br><br>Do you live outside of Helena and want to find a course? <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/locations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>Find an AARP Smart Driver course near you >></u></b></a></span></span><br></p> </div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/montana/" target="_blank">AARP Montana</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/helena-mt/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Helena</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022525-cgn2w9dmcrs.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022525">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/25/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mt-creative-movement-at-cohesion-helena-mt-022725-3fnflhxngs5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-MT-CREATIVE-MOVEMENT-AT-COHESION-HELENA-MT-022725">AARP MT, Creative Movement at Cohesion, Helena, MT 02/27/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Cohesion Dance Project</p> <p class="loc">Helena, MT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/carfit-virtual-workshop-lets-talk-vehicle-safety-and-comfort-mpnftrjmmqj.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CARFIT-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-LETS-TALK-VEHICLE-SAFETY-AND-COMFORT">CarFit Virtual Workshop: Let's Talk – Vehicle Safety and Comfort</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/helena-mt/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-HELENA-MT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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