The Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center is offering driver improvement courses in upcoming months. A four-hour refresher course will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, and an eight-hour first time course will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 and 30. The courses will be at the Best Western Victorian Inn, 1000 Hwy. 7 West, in Hutchinson. Driver safety, confidence and comfort are enhanced by utilizing the most up-to-date research in the field, including the latest visual scanning and steering techniques, anti-lock braking skills, airbag information, driver distraction, road rage and new vehicle technology. People age 55 and older who complete the course quality for a 10-percent discount on the auto insurance premiums for three years, according to Minnesota law. First time participants must complete two four-hour sessions. To remain eligible, participants are required to take a four-hour refresher course every three years. The driver improvement course is open to the public. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. The fee for the four-hour refresher course is $18 and the eight-hour course is $20. For more information or to register, call toll-free at (888) 234-1294.
