This programme aims to enable any driver, who is aged over 50 and is a resident in North Yorkshire, to stay driving safely for as long as they wish and are able to do so by refreshing their skills with a specially trained approved driving instructor.
Themes
- Road safety
- Preventable mortality
- Older people
Locality
North Yorkshire
Aims
This programme aims to enable older people to stay driving safely for as long as they wish and are able to do so. Road collisions are a major cause of premature death and serious injury in older drivers, especially very elderly drivers, for whom injuries are often life changing. This programme seeks to take a flexible and constructive approach rather than for people to feel their only option is to stop driving - this may not be the case.
Details
Any driver who is aged over 50 and is resident in North Yorkshire can request to refresh their skills with a specially trained approved driving instructor. Once the drive is complete the drive is discussed between them. The driver is sent a full report outlining what was good in the drive and where they could make adjustments, whether to their driving technique, the routes they use or other factors. They are also provided with a specially written driving manual, high visibility vest and Highway Code.
North Yorkshire County Council pays for these resources and the instructors one hour session using funds from the performance reward grant - available until end March 2014. Should the driver wish to take further training they can do so at their own expense.
For the first two years open "drop in" events were held in market towns on market days, with presentations by road safety officers, community safety staff and a pharmacist to give advice about medicine interactions and health related matters. These events were well publicised locally and through the internet and organisations such as Age UK. Local shows and community events were also attended by the road safety team to provide advice and promote the drives. The programme is currently being promoted through large public events e.g. agricultural shows and carers support groups and organisations such as University of the Third Age (U3A). This is designed to reach more sparse communities and those who may have had to resume driving due to their husband/wife's illness.
Community safety staff and the police can also refer a driver to the scheme if they have a concern about an older driver. A drive will only be undertaken with the drivers express agreement. It provides the driver and the police with an objective assessment and may be used to avert court proceedings.
How will this case study improve health and reduce health inequalities?
Older people who live in very rural areas can find themselves isolated if they have to give up driving. Very often refreshing the driving skills by making them aware of habits that have developed though years of driving can keep them on the road safely.
We also find people who hold a driving licence but have not actively driven for many years. The developing illness or death of the partner who usually drove can force them back to driving. Many of these people find these refreshers invaluable in helping cope with modern conditions.
Contact details
North Yorkshire County Council 95 Alive
Tel: 0845 8 72 73 74
Email: 95alive@northyorks.gov.uk
Web: www.roadwise.co.uk
