Celebrating its 45th anniversary, AARP Driver Safety has empowered over 20 million drivers aged 50 and older to enhance their road safety. Through its comprehensive educational programs and resources, AARP Driver Safety covers critical topics including safe driving practices, vehicle technology, and the decision to limit or cease driving when necessary. Research from AARP indicates that nine out of ten participants in the flagship AARP Smart Driver course have improved at least one driving behavior as a result of their training.
Despite its impressive track record, the AARP Driver Safety team remains committed to progress. They have recently launched AARP SafeTrip, a cutting-edge app that provides real-time feedback on each journey you take. John G. Case, AARP Driver Safety National Advisor and a dedicated volunteer for over 12 years, highlights this innovation. Case also serves as the Interim State Coordinator for AARP Arizona's Driver Safety Program and as a volunteer tech advisor and data manager for Arkansas, Arizona, and Oklahoma.
Before his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1994 after 20 years of service, Case had been involved in volunteering and training. His initial involvement with the Smart Driver course was to secure an auto insurance discount, but he quickly saw the value in becoming an instructor. His exceptional skills and leadership allowed him to advance within the program, and he remains a passionate advocate for its mission.
“We know that many people taking the course received their initial driver education years ago and likely haven't updated their knowledge since. A lot has changed since then,” he says. “Our goal is to educate them about new safety features, updated driving strategies, and different types of vehicles, with the primary aim of helping them extend their safe driving years.”
AARP Driver Safety's latest innovation, SafeTrip, is designed with this goal in mind. Development of the app began around five years ago, and it was officially launched in late 2022. AARP SafeTrip leverages telematics technology—integrating wireless devices, GPS systems, and other advanced tools—to assess key factors such as speed, location, and driving patterns. Similar technology is commonly used by major insurance companies to remotely evaluate drivers and provide discounts based on their driving behavior.
However, AARP SafeTrip keeps driving evaluations entirely confidential, reporting results only to the user, according to Matthew Sampson, Senior Program Manager at AARP Driver Safety. Early research during the app’s development revealed that drivers were concerned about being monitored or having their “bad drives” reported, which could jeopardize their driving autonomy and insurance discounts. Understanding these concerns, the team prioritized putting control firmly in the hands of drivers. “This is strictly an educational tool with no ties to auto insurance companies. It’s all just about informing you, empowering you, educating you about your driving—and perhaps showing you where you might need a little improvement,” he says.
SafeTrip runs seamlessly in the background on your phone, offering valuable insights into your driving habits. It can reveal if you frequently exceed speed limits or apply the brakes hard, both of which can be indicators of potential risk. The app provides a driving “score” based on various safety factors: each trip is rated between one and five stars, and the average of your last two weeks of scores is combined into a total score ranging from zero to 100. It is available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. AARP members enjoy additional benefits, such as earning 50 percent more AARP Rewards points.
Case volunteered to test the SafeTrip app during its development, and believes it can significantly enhance road safety. “I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to many aspects of AARP Driver Safety, and I’m proud to use my skills to help others,” he says.
For more information about AARP SafeTrip, click here. To learn about volunteering with AARP’s Driver Safety program and safe driving courses, click here.