Help at hand for elderly drivers

The Institute of Advanced Motorists carried out a poll showing that 42 per cent of people are worried about an older person’s driving, yet they are unlikely to do 
anything about it.

Now the Drive Safely for Longer course allows drivers aged 65 and over, who may have passed their test many years ago, to boost their 
confidence and become safer drivers by going for a short trip with a road safety 
adviser alongside them.

Carol Melhuish, Lancashire County Council transportation officer, said: “Our Drive Safely for Longer course has received great feedback from the 1,500 people who have completed it over the past three years.

“We meet people at their home to go for a drive and offer friendly advice, which people find convenient and has a positive impact on the way they drive.”

The course has been developed in Lancashire following studies which show there has been a reduction in road injuries among people aged under-65 in recent years, but this has not been matched by a reduction in older casualties. Call (01772) 456412 for more details.