The Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA) is hosting an event to offer mature drivers the opportunity to refresh and enhance their driving skills through practical workshops.
Hosted at the state-of-the-art Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, the half-day CarKraft event aims to help drivers aged 60 years and over stay confident, safe, and independent on the road.
NRSA says that as people age, their driving abilities can naturally change. Recognising and adapting to these changes is vital for the safety of all road users.
After a welcome briefing, participants will take part in three workshops, each lasting approximately 75 minutes:
- Safer Driving Workshop – led by experienced road safety professionals, this session will focus on areas many older drivers find challenging – such as negotiating roundabouts and understanding modern driver assistance technologies.
- Kick Plate & Ice Hill Experience – attendees will receive hands-on experience of skidding and loss of control in a safe and controlled setting. This advanced facility lets drivers test their reactions and improve vehicle control in extreme conditions.
- Observed Drive – attendees will drive a planned route with an Approved Driving Instructor who will offer friendly, personalised tips to improve awareness, anticipation, and confidence – especially around roundabouts and lane discipline.
The vehicles will be provided by Volvo UK and BYD UK. Attendees will also have the opportunity to book free driving sessions with Northampton Advanced Motorists.
Attendees don’t have to live in Northamptonshire to take part.
Whilst I welcome Carkraft being offered to more age groups, I do wish that it reverted back to its previous guise, where it was offered to anyone regardless of age, as long as they had a connection to Northamptonshire.
It’s an unfortunate own goal that something as useful as Carkraft isn’t on offer to every driver.
(I’ve been on Carkraft courses twice before and I strongly recommend it)
David Weston, Newcastle upon Tyne
0