Video launched to help older drivers stay safe

A new video, launched this week by Driving Mobility, aims to
help older drivers stay safe at
the wheel for as long as possible.
House of Commons
The launch follows Monday’s presentation and safety
recommendations to the House of Commons by the Older Drivers Task Force.
Ability
The new video follows a senior driver through the initial
consultation and pre-drive assessment and out onto the road, where he drives a
pre-arranged route covering various road types. It also sets out the ways in
which the Driving Mobility centres across the UK can assess someone’s fitness
to drive, as well as addressing any issues that might put someone at higher
risk of a collision.
Safety
Ed Passant, chief executive of Driving Mobility, said the
video gave a clear picture of what an older driver could
expect from an assessment. “Drivers will know exactly what to expect when
visiting any of our 16 centres, and I believe the video ably demonstrates our
primary purpose, which is to support people to stay driving safely for as long as
possible.”
Police
Identifying individual issues and needs is key to keeping an
older motorist safe, according
to Sergeant Rob Heard of Hampshire Police, who established the award-winning
Older Drivers Forum in 2013. It’s also vital that drivers – and their loved
ones – are aware of the resources available to help them.
Video
“This video is designed to provide useful information for
drivers who need to attend an assessment at a driving mobility centre,” Rob
Heard explains. “At the same time it should help drivers put aside any
worries they may have about the assessment and what will be expected of them.
“Some drivers keen to ensure they remain as safe as possible
will book and pay for an assessment themselves; others may attend following a
referral from a doctor, other health professional or the Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency.
“We’re keen to show that a driver assessment is not
something to be dreaded, and in the majority of cases is a very positive and
worthwhile exercise, where any safety issues can
be resolved. Sometimes further tuition will be recommended, and very
occasionally – because of safety concerns – it
might be necessary to advise against further driving. But the aim, wherever
possible, is to keep people driving safer for longer.”
Watch
You can watch the video at https://vimeo.com/168200821.