Police encourage older drivers to discuss road safety concerns

The proactive campaign was launched in Christchurch yesterday with the aim of ensuring all road users are safe.

Alongside information on various schemes for older drivers, visitors to the event at Waitrose were able to test their eye sight and discuss concerns.

PC Heidi Moxam, Dorset Police road casualty reduction officer, said: “The message behind it is ensuring all our residents are driving safely. As we mature our driving changes, our perception, our eye sight.

“We are all about raising that awareness and showing them what is available if they want to improve their driving, improve their confidence or tackle any issues.

“The ultimate aim is to ensure everyone driving is safe on the road.”

Last year an elderly woman died in Mudeford after a crash with a car being driven by a 94-year-old.

However, PC Moxam said statistically older drivers are not anymore likely to have a collision as younger drivers.

“I have had more relations come to talk to me concerned about their parents,” she added.

“This signposts them to where they can get that reassurance, either voluntarily or through us. It is a difficult conversation, but it is all about being safer and more competent.”

Police were promoting their older drivers forum, which serves as a hub of advice and guidance online.

They also support the Dorset Driver Gold Scheme, an initiative run by IAM RoadSmart with experts who go out on the road with older drivers.

If police deal with a collision involving an older driver and they suspect there is an underlying medical condition, officers can refer the driver to the Wessex Driveability team.

The charity provide assessments on drivers in relation to medical conditions. They work alongside occupational therapists to provide an impartial review of the situation.

Rachel Odell, from Wessex Driveability, said: “We really want on the road, but driving safely for long.

“We’re not here to take people off the road, but road safety is the key message.”