Title: Lincolnshire Sessions Aim to Enhance Road Safety for Older Drivers
Road safety sessions are being held in Lincolnshire to educate mature drivers about potential hazards on the highway. As of the age of 70, drivers are required by government regulations to renew their driving licence. However, the team at Safer Roads Humber is encouraging anyone aged 50 and above to participate in these sessions to gain awareness of how ageing could affect their driving. These events take place at venues such as the Ashby Community Hub in Scunthorpe, addressing issues like the effect of medication, eyesight, and mobility on driving.
Humberside fire officer, Mark Coulthard, highlighted the significance of acknowledging gradual eyesight deterioration, a condition that typically begins from the age of 40. “We want mature drivers to keep driving safely, whilst considering factors that may heighten the risk of accidents,” he explained.
74-year-old Bill Hawksworth, a retired market researcher hailing from Scunthorpe, expressed that his attendance at a recent session has made him more vigilant and careful on the road. “While I feel confident, I also acknowledge that I now drive at a slower pace and am constantly observing others on the road. I tire more easily and have to be mindful of that by taking regular breaks,” he shared.
According to 2023 statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT), roughly one-quarter of all car driver fatalities were drivers aged over 70. However, young drivers still have a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents.
Safer Roads Humber is scheduling another session in North East Lincolnshire later this year. Besides providing informative content, these sessions also feature practical experiences such as trialling glasses that simulate varying eye ailments. Rosie Cook, aged 72, who trialled glasses replicating tunnel vision and cataracts, spoke of the valuable understanding gained through these experiences. “Today’s course has truly invigorated me, and I feel I will be more vigilant in future,” she commented.
Moreover, older drivers are offered the opportunity to book assessments to appraise their driving skills. Local charities like RDAC provide mobility assessments, and the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Advanced Motorists group conducts taster sessions for interested drivers. The group’s chairman, Terry Heath, advocates for drivers who are uncertain about their skills to undergo an assessment. “We monitor their driving and provide suggestions for enhancement,” he asserted.
This article was adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com, as presented in The Lincoln Post.
