.jpg)
Everyone who attended a recent training day in Buckinghamshire said they felt more confident about delivering older driver assessments, as a result of the experience gained.
With the number of older drivers increasing, Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) is keen to ensure that everything possible is being done to enable them to continue driving safely. To support that aim, TfB organised a training day for local approved driving instructors (ADIs), along with representatives from Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Held at Aylesbury Fire Station on 18 February, the event comprised a presentation by the local Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) in Eynsham, outlining the issues motorists face as they age and what help, adaptations and advice is available.
Sergeant Rob Heard, from Hampshire Constabulary, provided an overview of what’s happening nationally and explained his work to promote the Older Drivers’ Forum, which aims to be a one-stop shop for support and information relevant to mature drivers and their families or carers.
The day concluded with an overview of Buckinghamshire’s Mature Driver Scheme and how local ADIs can become involved in delivering assessments.
Since April 2012 TfB has delivered 336 older driver assessments, of which 27% were medical referrals, 27% were reassessments and 46% were promotional.
The evaluation at the end of the day also highlighted that all attendees were more aware of what support is available and how certain medical conditions and medications can affect driving.
Mark Shaw, cabinet member for transportation, said: “The aim of (Buckinghamshire’s) Mature Driver Scheme is to support drivers to help keep them driving safely for longer.
"We want to raise awareness of the services available to drivers as they age and to encourage mature drivers to think about taking a driving assessment to restore confidence or identify areas of concern.”
For more information contact June Howlett at TfB.
Comment on this story