A course teaching rural road safety has been made available for drivers aged 65+. The initiative will be run by not-for-profit organisation Older Drivers Forum and is set to be held on 29 March.
Nigel Lloyd-Jones, co-lead of the Older Drivers Forum for Gloucestershire but speaking about their operations nationally, said that on average rural counties have a higher percentage of pensioners.
He also explained that rural roads are more dangerous – 57% of road fatalities happen on them – and contain many unexpected hazards.
“There are issues with eyesight, peripheral vision and judgement at old age. New rules were introduced to Highway Code in 2022 to make older drivers safer, but there is very little awareness of these so we intend to help refresh them.”
He added that 23% of road fatalities nationally were over 65.
“A big thing we push is that once you get over 70, you should have an annual review of your driving,” Lloyd-Jones added. “You pass your test at 18 but then have no more refreshing of your skills.”
The session will also draw on advice from the ‘Rural Road Code’ initiative led by NFU Mutual.
A spokesperson from the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) said the latest data for South Yorkshire (Department for Transport 2023) shows an increase in the number of people aged 60 and above injured in collisions.
“The Forum’s website is full of practical information and tips including how to renew your licence, how to identify eyesight and medical conditions, and where to book a confidence boosting assessment to refresh driving skills.
“This webinar is one of the many resources they offer to support mature motorists on how to continue driving safely for longer.”
These webinars have proven to be popular – the previous one, about post-crash care, amassing over 170 registrations.
The scheme appears to have international appeal, with applicants from the US registering for the upcoming session.