MEXICO — People seeking defensive driving techniques or a credit on their driving record may sign up for next week’s Maine Driving Dynamics course.

It will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 15, at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology at 377 River Road (Route 2) in Mexico.

Instructor Eddy Naples, a commercial truck driving instructor, recently said those completing the course will receive a three-point credit on their driving record and a possible insurance discount.

The Maine Driving Dynamics course offers crash-avoidance techniques and space cushion driving techniques that are essential for everyday driving situations. The course includes films, classroom discussion and lectures, Naples said.

“Is this the time for a driver refresher course for yourself, a family member or a friend?” he asked. “Are you an at-risk driver? Are you challenged each time you drive?”

Naples said drivers ages 16 to 24 make up 11 percent of the driving population, but account for 30 percent of all fatalities.

Nine out of 10 employees commute from home to work, he said. Every 12 minutes someone dies in a highway crash in the United States.

“Drivers 65 and older account for 8 percent of all miles driven, and 17 percent of all traffic fatalities occurred in crashes where at least one driver was 65 or older,” he said.

Additionally, Naples said there are more than 9,000 operating-under-the-influence exams administered annually in Maine.

Region 9 and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety are sponsoring the course, which is open to the public.

He said classes fill quickly, therefore those interested are urged to register by calling 369-9058.

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