Pilot road safety session to be held for mature drivers in Melton
A pilot scheme is being launched in Melton Mowbray later this month to support the increasing number of older drivers on our roads.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is holding the ‘Drive Safer For Longer’ event at Gloucester House, on Norman Way, on Thursday February 27.
Any driver aged 60 and above is welcome to attend to get advice on driving safely at a time of life when people’s reactions slow up and many are taking regular medication.
Explaining why it is being held, Kate Garrigan, watch manager for community safety at the county fire service, told the Melton Times: “The number of people driving as they get older has increased and people are driving into their 80s and even 90s these days.
"And the statistics say that drivers over 70 are significantly more likely to avoid driving at night, driving in the rain and avoiding longer distances.
"Their confidence maybe drops a little and the statistics for people killed and seriously injured for older drivers has increased by about 12 per cent nationally and that will be linked to the number of older people now on the roads.
"As you get older you have a decline in some of your cognitive and visual functions as we all know and more than anything your reaction times can slow down as well.”
It will be a free, two-hour session including a presentation covering topics such as updates to the highway code, how older drivers can make sure their eyesight is up to scratch, driving while on prescription drugs and how to use Smart Motorways.
Representatives from local council, Age UK and other groups will be present to give advice and there will also be an opportunity to try immersive driving experience aimed at more mature motorists using a virtual reality headset.
Kate added: “We do know that other road safety partnerships in other areas do run these mature driver events but for us in Leicestershire this is a first.
"The booking numbers are looking very good so far and we will look at holding another one locally and roll it out across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland if it is a success.”
Free hot drinks and biscuits will be served at the session, which will run 10am to noon.
Click HERE to book a place.