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New Jerseyans may soon start taking their eyes off the road and focusing on their computers screens in a bid to lower their insurance rates.

And no, it’s not because they’ll be looking for a new agent or insurance carrier.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has approved two online defensive driving courses that will enable drivers to receive a 2-point reduction on their licenses and qualify for a 3-year, mandatory discount on their insurance premiums.

Both online programs launched today, according to the agency.

The two groups running the online courses are the Florida-based American Safety Council and California based group I Drive Safely.

“This is the first we are offering an online defensive driving course,” Cathleen Lewis, spokeswoman for the Motor Vehicle Commission said. “It’s part of the transformation we have made in the last five years into a more customer-friendly organization. Any way we can make our drivers and our roads safer is something we are interested in.”

The courses are online versions of those previously available only in classrooms.

Bob Proechel, president American Safety Council, said many drivers prefer the online course because “students can work at their own paces and log on and off whenever they like.”

The courses are available at NewJerseyDefensiveDriving.com and at idrivesafely.com

Topics Personal Auto New Jersey