AARP Driver Safety Partners With The Hartford To Develop The Smart DriverTEK Program

December 19, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC—AARP Driver Safety in partnership with The Hartford, developed a new vehicle-technology education program, with the first iteration being piloted November-December 2016 in California, Florida, Georgia and Texas.

The Smart DriverTEK program is an educational workshop developed to help drivers understand how to use current and progressing vehicle safety technologies. Drivers will learn how these technologies can enhance their safety and extend their years on the road. Led by a trained instructor, the in-person workshops will also assist drivers in choosing the in-vehicle technology that best suits their needs while car shopping.

“With the changes in vehicle technology over the last five years, it’s critical for drivers to stay updated and informed,” said Kyle Rakow, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety. “Many of these technologies have potential to make driving safer, which is why we are so appreciative of The Hartford’s generous commitment to this new endeavor.”

The Smart DriverTEK program was developed following a recent study conducted by The Hartford and MIT AgeLab on drivers 50 and older and their preferences around vehicle safety technologies. The survey revealed that 76 percent of drivers aged 50 and older who plan to buy a new car in the next two years will actively seek high-tech safety features, which is a 32 percent increase on last year.

“It is encouraging that a majority of mature drivers planning their next vehicle purchase will purposely seek out high-tech safety features,” said Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist and executive director of The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence. “The Hartford has a long history of helping drivers age 50+ stay safe on the road, which is why we’re developing an innovative program with AARP Driver Safety and why we’re one of the first companies to offer an auto insurance discount for certain safety technologies.”