The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) has refreshed its older driver training course to include information on topics such as smart motorways.
The first session of the newly-refreshed Safer Driving @ 60+ course took place at the Lifewise Centre, with more than 40 experienced drivers taking part.
Joanne Wehrle, safer roads manager for SYSRP, said the course is about helping older drivers ‘make the most of the skills they already possess’.
The free course covers a broad spectrum of issues including what the SYSRP has identified as the four main causes of fatal road traffic collisions; drink and drug driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while at the wheel.
There was a particular focus on prescription and over the counter medicines, and the importance of checking the label to see whether any side effects can affect driving.
Vision Express led a session on eye health, while representatives from Highways England gave an overview of smart motorways – particularly relevant to South Yorkshire residents following recent upgrades to the M1 between junctions 32 and 35a.
In addition to classroom sessions, participants picked up free resources and advice from a range of exhibitors and had the opportunity to sign up for free driving sessions with an approved driving instructor.
In the afternoon participants experienced a driver extrication demonstration by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and a first aid session led by Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
Joanne Wehrle said: “Our data shows that casualties in South Yorkshire have been decreasing over time, but there has been an increase in driver casualties for those aged 65 and over.
“Although this age group is less likely to be involved in a collision, their age means that the likelihood of injury increases. Safer Driving @ 60+ aims to help older drivers brush up on their skills and knowledge and help them become more confident behind the wheel.
“We’ve had some very positive feedback and are already planning further Safer Driving @ 60+ events around South Yorkshire.”
The final component of the Safer Driving @ 60+ course consists of two e-learning modules; one on eyesight and the other on renewing a driving licence at 70. These online tools are available for anyone to access.
Click here for further details about the e-modules and future Safer Driving @ 60+ events.
I’ve seen plenty of older drivers on their phones while driving. Just because you haven’t seen it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen!
Alexander, Derbyshire
0
So it looks like some 14 persons involved in the road safety business do not believe that the giving of SAFE SPACE is at all of any significance or importance. Certainly not enough to add it to the list of less important causes.
Or is it that they do not believe that cognitive ability is reduced or impaired by age?
Or finally that it is important to tell elderly persons not to use their mobile phones whilst driving?
Perhaps some of those that disagree with something that I wrote can come back and give a decent response instead of remaining anonymous.
Bob Craven Lancs
0
Whilst I like the idea its just a pity that the opportunity to advise drivers of the giving of SAFE SPACE was altogether missing. What a waste of the moment. That would have crowned off the event by advising drivers of their safety and the safety of others by just giving that one second more on top of what they already do. An easy understanding of the following on or stopping distances can prevent the majority of vehicle collisions happening or at least mitigate the damage and injuries.
It is understood that older drivers as they age seem to have a lessened cognitive ability when it come to spacial awareness and its consequences. Their thinking is slower thus increasing the distance travelled and in their reaction time making them more likely for them to either rear end another vehicle or fail to act in time to prevent an incident or collision.
How many over 60 year olds have you seen driving whilst on the phone. Go on count on one finger…… Maybe.
Bob Craven Lancs
0